The Dallas Wings just can’t catch a break! As the second-worst team in the league, it’s no surprise that wins have been hard to come by. But that can also be attributed to the number of injuries they have faced this season. Team’s best player Arike Ogunbowale is out, last season’s Most Improved player DiJonai Carrington is out, and Maddy Siegrist is on the injury list too. They just have 8 players fit and are down to bare bones now. The only silver lining? Their standout rookie class, led by Paige Bueckers. But the Rookie of the Year candidate knows all too well that individual efforts can only do so much.
Against the Chicago Sky, the Wings struggled as an offensive unit, scoring just 36% of their shots, while the Chicago Sky, led by Rebecca Allen’s 27, scored 50.9 % of their shots. They were outworked on the glass and finished the game with nine fewer boards than Angel Reese and co.
For the Sky, Angel Reese continued her good run of form, finishing the game with her 13th double-double of the season. She scored 15 points and 11 rebounds. That’s now seven straight double-doubles! Unreal consistency. Reese wasn’t alone as Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham combined for 38 points as well. A proper team show!
After the game, Paige was asked about the offensive struggles and what needs to change before facing the Fever. She had a clear answer to it. “Uh, just staying aggressive, trying to get two feet in the paint– continue to get the shots that we’re getting. Being confident and knowing that they’re going to fall at some point. Um, but sticking to what we know and what we do.” As for any possible changes in strategies, Paige made her perspective clear. “Stick to our process. There’s 44 games in the season. You’re not going to shoot well every night. Stick to our process, staying confident, trust our work.”
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates during the second half against the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Ever since that impressive win over the Mercury–where the young Wings squad shot 47.8% from the field, their shooting has taken a noticeable dip! Even in their reverse game against the Mercury, the Wings managed to convert just 27 of their 75 field goal attempts. So that definitely needs to improve!
It’s clear that the likes of JJ Quinerly, Aziaha James, and Paige Bueckers are having a hard time out there. Paige went 5-20 from the field tonight, and James scored just 8 points on 3-15 shooting. These performances are bound to happen! You can’t always count on replicating a performance like the one they had at home against Phoenix. That’s not possible on a daily basis. Coach Koclanes also talked about their shooting woes in the post-game press conference. Let’s take a look at what he had to say!
Coach Koclanes addresses the shooting troubles faced by Paige Bueckers and co
Since hitting the road after the convincing 98-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury, the Wings have struggled. Two losses back to back, and an average field goal percentage of just 36%. Sure, injuries have played a big part, but the players out there are more than capable of getting the job done. We’ve seen them do it before!
Chris Koclanes addressed the issue, saying, “Yeah, again, they’re only going to be better for living through these experiences and getting these experiences. But when you look at it, like, you know, that’s a lot of minutes that these players have never logged, and what we’re asking them to do… I’ve seen Aziaha make a ton of those, Paige as well—like, lots of makeable shots. JJ even too. You know, just getting pieces of the paint. So yeah, when your starting guard group has the shooting night that they did, it’s tough. It’s tough to win games.”
Next up for the Wings? A big game against the Fever! With the Indiana Fever also struggling with their shooting this season, especially Caitlin Clark, this could be the best time to go up against them. The Wings have a real shot at taking down a Fever team that hasn’t looked the same since their Commissioner’s Cup triumph.
The Paige vs. Caitlin battle is sure to steal all the headlines. These two titans will be going up against each other for the first time in the W. The excitement is bound to be off the charts for this game! Who do you think will come away victorious? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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