10 losses in 11 games. This is the glaring reality of Dallas Wings. Still in their rebuilding phase, the Wings veterans have been adjusting to a new head coach and new roster in players like NaLyssa Smith, DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris, and Paige Bueckers. But for how long? While Chris Koclanes focuses on taking things “one at a time” for the roster, is this tactic really helping the locker room? But as star Paige Bueckers returns from the bench to join the roster, things started to look positive for the Wings. But did anything change in Bueckers presence?
Bueckers scored her career’s highest average of 35 points in the game against 20 points by Satou Sabally. However, her efforts fell flat as Phoenix Mercury pulled the rug and claimed a 93-80 victory. Mercury athletes Sabally fetched 9 rebounds and Alyssa Thomas made 10 assist for the winning team. On the other hand, DiJonai Carrington made 8 rebounds and Bueckers dished 4 assists for the roster.
Phoenix’s tight defense zeroed in on Dallas’ supporting players, forcing tough shots and capitalizing on miscommunications that led to a whopping 14 turnovers. It was a game where the Mercury’s veteran poise outshone the Wings’ raw talent.
As a leader for her college program, Bueckers aspired to don leadership roles in the Wings locker room as well. On being asked about the process of leading the team, Paige Bueckers spoke candidly on the recent post-match interview and admitted the role as a challenging one in the pros. “It’s challenging but very rewarding in a sense of you just being super process-oriented and not result-oriented,” the rookie began. “And how we want to have a set of standards, build a culture, and have a way we do things and stick to that, regardless of wins or losses, and trying to build what that looks like for this team.”
The guard emphasized on the nature of the locker room and the core beliefs on the franchise. She even confessed to being satisfied with the individual performance and shared on being focused on the game instead of winning. Bueckers suggested that these locker room habits will eventually guide the team towards the kind of victory that they wish to achieve in the long run. While she did not expect to break another record, Bueckers was hopeful for positive results in the upcoming games.
“And then the results will follow and will come as we continue to stay disciplined in who we are every single day,” Bueckers stated. “So just trying to lead by example, lead with my voice, and just have difficult conversations. Get to know these people on and off the court and continue to build that chemistry.” While it is challenging to lead the pro team, Bueckers seems to have taken the challenge head-on. She was even seen directed the roster throughout the game.
While this was the rookie’s first match after being sidelined owing to a concussion protocol, she delivered a spectacular performance. In fact, she finished with shooting 13-of-19 from the field as the rest of the Wings finished scoring at 16-of-48 or 33% from the field. Meanwhile, ESPN recorded Bueckers to became the the third rookie of the franchise to record 35 points in a game. Athletes Odyssey Sims and Arike Ogunbowale had previously earned the title in 2014 and 2019, respectively.
It’s a feat that puts her in elite company, but it also shows the pressure she’s under to carry a team still finding its footing. Rookies like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston have faced similar challenges in recent years, standing out individually while contributing to teams that struggled to win. For Bueckers, it’s a reminder that even a star performance can’t turn a rebuilding squad into a contender overnight.
Though the rookie has embraced the role of the leader for the Wings, she would need to brush past the challenges to pull the team out of misery.
Dallas Wings drown with a 6-match losing streak
With Paige Bueckers’ return to the active roster, Dallas Wings had a confidence start on the PHX Arena. Wings opened the match with the first two-pointer basket from Myisha Hines-Allen. Soon, DiJonai Carrington made a layup with Bueckers and added a four-pointer as the hosts lagged. Despite a dominant start, Monique Akoa Makani and Alyssa Thomas pushed the Phoenix Mercury further and snatched a one-point lead from the Wings.
May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Despite Piage Bueckers and NaLyssa Smith’s attempts at reviving the roster, Dallas Wings sank into the loss. Their confidence stood on shaky grounds as they lost the second quarter. The roster averaged just 16 points compared to a whopping 21 by the Mercury. And while they tried clawing back in the third quarter, the Mercury shut down all hopes for the Wings roster with 25-21 lead.
Meanwhile, as Arike Ogunbowale found her rhythm by the final quarter and finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. the team also dished a total of 16 turnovers that led to their demise. On the other hand, Sabally led the Mercury roster with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Alyssa Thomas added 11 points and 10 assists. Despite a remarkable showdown by the Wings, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunities, especially ball possessions, and landed on the losing end of the spectrum. Again.
With a total of six consecutive losses so far, the Dallas Wings are the last standing team in the Western Conference division. Now as Paige Bueckers returns to the roster and uses her capabilities to revive the team from spiraling further, can she alone drag the roster out? Or will the team listen to forward Myisha Hines-Allen, who suggested the roster to individually step up? Can they step up and show up instead of losing the confidence? While things do not look promising for the roster, fans are hopeful in Bueckers, who can bring about some positive changes in the roster.
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