“She should be fine for tomorrow.” False hopes and injury reports don’t mix well for a head coach, especially when it’s Chris Koclanes. Paige Bueckers, after Tuesday’s game against the Liberty, pulled a back muscle, rendering her availability status as ‘day to day’. Despite Koclanes’ reassurances the day before, the six-foot-tall point guard was ruled out of the New York rematch on Friday. But whenever Bueckers is not on the floor, the Wings look like a completely different team… In a bad way.
They say winning hides every mistake, so by that logic, Dallas’ shortcomings need to be dissected after every single game. But this time, it was pretty simple–they were missing Paige Bueckers. The team couldn’t shoot threes or facilitate plays. The Wings shot a dreadful 14% from downtown as compared to New York’s clean 38%. It wasn’t all bad; Dallas got a lot more paint touches and put up 50 points around the rim. They rebounded well, and to some extent? The team defended well, too.
But this loss perfectly summed up the Dallas Wings’ season so far: A mixed bag. A gamble if there ever was one. When the shots are falling, they look like one of the most dangerous teams in the W. But when they start to miss? That’s where the 8-23 record kicks in. Or, as Chris Koclanes said during the media availability after the game, “We have very good moments, where we’re executing well and it looks like we’re proactive, and we’re seeing things that are happening and we’re one step ahead.”
Without Paige Bueckers, the Wings look more disjointed than ever, and the head coach admitted his team’s faults. “This group really needs reps.” He said. “It’s one thing to see it on film, but for younger players? They need to feel it. They need to do it over and over again. So, no excuses, but finding those times in practice are few and far in between. If that’s what you see out there, we’re just inconsistent.” Basically, Dallas is in a precarious position, and the coach wants them to play it safe.
It can start with an extra pass. Koclanes had big plans for Hailey Jones, Azaiah James, and JJ Quinerly to be running the point instead of Bueckers. However, Friday’s showing proved that the Wings’ backcourt needs more stability. Dallas only managed to log 14 assists through the entire game, ten fewer than what their opponents did. Part of the team’s beauty is in passing the ball. When Paige Bueckers is on the court, threading the needle, opportunities open up for Arike Ogunbowale, as well as the frontcourt.
Bueckers’ electric brand of basketball solidified Dallas’ fanbase this year, even with a losing record, but this newest injury might throw a wrench into her work. But is it something to worry about? And how serious is it, exactly?
Hope contrasts frustration for Dallas fans as Paige Bueckers set to make comeback on Sunday
Frustration is building, and the ghost of last season is coming back to haunt Dallas yet again. On paper, the team did everything right in the off-season. They hired a new coach, built a roster around the number one pick, and even acquired some fresh and exciting talent! However, as time passed, a series of bad decisions piled up for the rebuilding franchise.
First of all, the way in which Paige Bueckers is being utilized by the team is under intense scrutiny by fans and analysts alike. Head coach Chris Koclanes has outright admitted his desire to experiment with the rotations, and more specifically? With the point guard position. “I think we’re still exploring a lot. Paige at the one, as having the ball in her hands, and being the primary. But I like two–y’know, JJ at the one and you got Arike and Paige on the wings as well, I think that could be a really dynamic lineup too.” He said about a month ago.
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Koclanes expressed how, because of the backcourt depth the team had, Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale could be used as “off-ball facilitators” or “screeners“. However, his plans unravelled as soon as Bueckers stepped off the court, and his guards could only get 5 assists. Experience and temperament trump depth, and after handling the pressure at UConn? PB had both in abundance.
However, it seems like her absence is no reason to worry, as the six-foot-tall point guard has officially been listed as “probable” for the clash against Washington on Sunday, as per Joey Mistretta on X. We’re waiting for official confirmation, but it looks like good news for Dallas fans at first glance!
The post Dallas Wings HC Refuses to Gamble in Wake of Paige Bueckers’ Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.
