Bueckers Shines in Return, Yet Wings Face Tough Loss to Mercury

In a thrilling return to the basketball court, Paige Bueckers showcased her immense talent, scoring a remarkable 35 points. However, her standout performance was overshadowed by the struggles of her Dallas Wings teammates, as they succumbed to a 93-80 defeat against the Phoenix Mercury. This loss marks the Wings’ sixth consecutive setback, leaving them with a disheartening record of 1-10 for the season, their worst start since 2012, according to CBS Sports.

Bueckers, the top selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft, had been sidelined prior to this game due to concussion protocol and subsequent illness, missing three games in total. Despite the time away, she displayed no signs of rust, lighting up the scoreboard with an explosive start. In an impressive first quarter, she went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, setting the tone for what would become a record-setting night.

By halftime, Bueckers had already accumulated 22 points, surpassing her previous career-high of 21. This performance not only marked her as one of the rare rookies to achieve such a feat but also placed her in the record books as the third-highest scoring rookie in franchise history for a half, as reported by CBS Sports.

Throughout the game, Bueckers demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 68.4% from the field with 13 successful attempts out of 19. She also excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 5 out of 7 three-point attempts, while contributing six rebounds to her impressive stat line. In total, she logged 37 minutes on the court, proving to be a relentless force despite the defeat.

Unfortunately for the Wings, Bueckers’ individual brilliance was not enough to secure a victory. The team struggled for support, as other players failed to rise to the occasion during this critical matchup. Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, who was expected to play a key role, did not find her rhythm, adding to the team’s woes. The lack of a solid supporting cast has been a recurring theme for Dallas this season, as they continue to search for answers in a campaign that has been plagued by difficulties.

The loss to Phoenix encapsulates the challenges the Wings have faced this season, and it raises questions about their ability to rally as a unit. As Bueckers continues to find her footing in the league, the Wings must hope that her return can spark a turnaround despite the team’s current struggles. With a renewed focus on teamwork and cohesion, Dallas will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.

Moving forward, fans will be eager to see how Bueckers builds on her explosive return and whether she can inspire her teammates to elevate their performance. The Wings have a long road ahead, but with a talent like Bueckers on their roster, the potential for brighter days is certainly there.