Has someone clipped Dallas’ Wings? Or have they simply forgotten how to fly? Even after getting the first-overall pick, the rebuilding phase has been a little tough for Dallas. Chris Koclanes’ team struggled hard at the beginning of the season, losing 11 out of their first 12 matchups. And even though things are getting better for Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and company, there’s still a long road ahead of them, and they know it! If Dallas wants to make a playoff run now, they’ll need to rise up from the bottom depths of the West.
There’s still room for growth, but the signs are promising. Paige Bueckers has been a bright spot—averaging 18.7 points on nearly 50% shooting while showcasing impressive playmaking instincts. Sure, the rookie is still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the pro game, but that’s expected. What matters is the progress—and lately, it’s showing. The Wings have won 5 of their last 7 games, and Bueckers is starting to find her rhythm.
However, coach Chris Koclanes still feels like the team can do better. Before Dallas’ second consecutive game against the Phoenix Mercury, the Wings’ HC addressed the media with one of his biggest concerns for his team—finishing. “I want us to be more efficient around the rim.” He said in his thirty-second reply to the media. ” Just being tougher with the ball, keeping it high, being strong, finishing through the square, getting some and-1s for us. So I think that’s a growth opportunity for us as a frontcourt is just to continue to finish better and being stronger around the rim. But I want our paint presence there felt.”
But has Dallas really been slacking off inside the paint? According to the stats, not really! While Koclanes’ team was more focused on the three-ball against Phoenix, the previous game was a masterclass inside the paint. The Wings had 14 more points inside as compared to the Mystics, scoring a whopping 42-piece from inside the paint. Li Yueru is beginning to pick up the pace, and Geiselsoder had an amazing EuroBasket campaign.
Things aren’t looking terrible for the Dallas Wings frontcourt right now, but Koclanes isn’t wrong. There’s always room for improvement, and if the frontcourt works on the coach’s advice? Well, we may have potential winners on our hands! But Dallas’ momentum is highly contextual, and injuries might mess things up in the Phoenix rematch. Let’s find out exactly what Paige Bueckers and her team will have to deal with on Monday.
Shaky foundation for Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings ahead of Phoenix Mercury fixture
Amidst tendonitis, doubts, and fan votes, Paige Bueckers is having a rather happening month. The six-foot-tall rookie has been phenomenal, averaging nearly 19 points and 6 assists a game. We’re seeing flashes of brilliance, an intense competitive fire, and a sheer desperation to win from the young Dallas guard, and fans love it!
Not to mention, the Wings have been doing a lot better recently. Even though Koclanes’ team lost DiJonai Carrington due to a rib injury, both Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale have been holding down the ship really well. Their frontcourt is performing, and both the guards have been absolute dynamites on the offensive end of the court. However, injuries are back to haunt the Dallas Wings.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) in the huddle with forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2), guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) guard Paige Bueckers (5) against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This time, however, it’s not Paige Bueckers who has a question mark hanging over her head. Both Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington missed this weekend’s practice for the Wings. While this news does not bode well for Dallas, it was expected by many. Ogunbowale’s been dealing with a thumb injury for the last week or so, and has already missed a game because of it. And Carrington? She’s been out of commission since the middle of June.
It will be interesting to see whether the Dallas Wings rookie can keep the momentum going all by herself. Her frontcourt is still strong, with Geiselsoder and Myisha Hines-Allen, but Bueckers will have to take on the bulk of the scoring assignment herself. Can Dallas keep the win streak going even without two of their crucial players? Stay tuned to find out!
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