Paige Bueckers is continuing her remarkable rookie season with the Dallas Wings as they wrap up their 2025 road schedule on Sunday, September 7, against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. The game is set to tip off at 5 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV and locally on KFAA29 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Wings (9–33) are coming off a narrow 84–80 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, but Bueckers once again stole the spotlight with 27 points, surpassing Arike Ogunbowale’s rookie record to become the Wings’ all-time rookie scoring leader with 650 career points. Meanwhile, the Sparks (19–22) suffered a second straight loss, falling 104–85 to the Atlanta Dream on Friday, despite a strong 26-point performance from Dearica Hamby.
Bueckers’ Stellar Play Continues to Turn Heads
Paige Bueckers has been a revelation in her first WNBA season, with her stellar performance making her a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. In a high-intensity matchup earlier this season, she tied the WNBA single-game rookie scoring record with 44 points against the Sparks in Los Angeles, though the Wings lost 81–80 on a buzzer-beating shot from Kelsey Plum. Despite the setback, Bueckers has remained focused on team success, prioritizing the collective effort over individual achievements.
“It’s really all about the team and the organization and how much they’ve embraced who I am — not just as a basketball player, but as a human,” Bueckers said after her record-breaking night in Golden State. “That’s why I chose basketball: because it’s a team sport, and I get to share the floor with people I love and want to go to war with.”
Even in the face of adversity, Bueckers emphasized the importance of fighting until the end, regardless of the score or team record. “That’s what we want to show every night — fight,” she said. “Regardless of who we have or what our record is, we’re focused on preparation, making sure we’re ready to play, and going to war with whoever’s out there.”
Wings’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Bueckers has been the standout star, other members of the Wings roster have stepped up to support her. Haley Jones reflected on her personal journey after a versatile performance in her return to the Bay Area. “It’s been a rollercoaster year for me personally,” Jones said. “I started with the Dream, then Phoenix, then came here on a hardship, and came back again. That’s just been my journey, and I’ve tried to take it day by day.”
Myisha Hines-Allen praised the team’s execution, even as fatigue set in during the final stages of the game. “We got all the shots we wanted,” she said. “From the board to the court, we executed exactly what the game plan was. It came down to small details.”
Maddy Siegrist also found positivity in the team’s effort against a playoff-caliber opponent, saying, “We had an opportunity a couple of times down the stretch to get over the hump, but they’re a great team. You can walk away from this knowing we battled the whole time with them.”
Chris Koclanes on Growth and Future
Head coach Chris Koclanes spoke highly of the Wings‘ fight, despite the team’s challenging season. “I thought we came in with the game plan and executed well,” he said. “Down the stretch, you couldn’t have asked for better execution to put ourselves in position. We did a lot of good things and put ourselves in a position to win on the road in a tough environment. I’m proud of our fight.”
Koclanes also shared optimism about the future of the franchise. “The future’s bright. Get on board if you’re not already,” he said. “These women are incredible in what they do on and off the floor. I’m grateful to play a small part in this league. It’s only up from here.”
Bueckers’ All-WNBA Candidacy
Beyond Rookie of the Year honors, Paige Bueckers’ play has sparked conversation about whether she deserves a spot on an All-WNBA team in her first season. Her impact on the floor has been undeniable. “She impacts winning and makes everybody on our team better,” Koclanes said. “And she’s getting everybody’s best look — not just from one defender but multiple defenders. To be able to handle that, for anybody but especially as a rookie going through this gauntlet, it just speaks volumes about the type of player she is.”
Teammates have also taken notice of Bueckers’ talent and leadership. Diamond Miller praised her potential, saying, “She’s probably going to be MVP one day in this league. She’s really talented. I think she deserves it — first team, too.”
Haley Jones highlighted Bueckers’ unselfishness and basketball IQ, stating, “She makes every single person around her better. Her basketball IQ is insane.”
Siegrist pointed out that Bueckers’ college experience has helped her adjust seamlessly to the pro level. “She just makes the right plays every single time,” Siegrist explained.
Hines-Allen specifically noted Bueckers’ growth in the pick-and-roll game, saying, “Her aggression throughout the season, reading the defense, and taking shots she knows she can make — and we’re confident she can make them too — has been impressive.”
What’s Next for the Wings
The Dallas Wings will face the Phoenix Mercury in their final game of the season on Thursday, September 11, at College Park Center for Fan Appreciation Night. Despite a tough season, the team is focused on building a bright future, with Paige Bueckers leading the way.
