The Dallas Wings were dealt an early setback when news broke that Paige Bueckers would miss their matchup against the Washington Mystics due to a knee issue.
The sense of disappointment was clear, especially after dropping a tough overtime game to the same Mystics squad just days earlier-when Bueckers was on the floor. Without their dynamic leader and top scorer, the Wings were searching for answers in a critical stretch of the season.
As tip-off approached, there was a noticeable tension among the players. Head coach Chris Koclanes knew his message to the team would be crucial in setting the right tone for the night.
Instead of focusing on what the Wings lacked without Bueckers, Koclanes encouraged his players to embrace their own identities and bring their best energy.
He explained, “Just looking for energy and for them to be who they are, you’ve seen Aziah getting more and more comfortable. It was a good scoring punch for us yesterday off the bench.
“So just looking for JJ to, you know, challenge her to be a facilitator and now tonight going to ask her to score the ball as well, because we’re going to need some point production without Paige in the lineup. So, giving her the keys and letting her be aggressive as well to look to score too.”
The players took that challenge to heart. JJ Quinerly, thrust into the starting point guard spot for the first time, wasted no time in making her mark.
She delivered an electric first quarter, helping Dallas storm out to a 28-9 lead. Quinerly finished the night with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists, setting the tone with poise and confidence.
Meanwhile, Aziah James matched her rookie teammate with 15 points of her own off the bench, including three triples. Arike Ogunbowale added 14 points and three assists to round out a balanced attack.
Wings rookies show depth as Dallas looks to the future
The Wings’ response without Bueckers was impressive. It showed that Dallas is more than just its star rookie and has a young core capable of stepping up in crucial moments.
For Quinerly, the game was an opportunity to prove her ability to both facilitate and score, while James continued her steady contributions off the bench.
Coach Koclanes praised the maturity of his rookies and the way they handled the challenge. “She brought in the early energy that the team was lacking just a day earlier against the Indiana Fever,” he said about Quinerly’s spark.
Even with Bueckers sidelined, the Wings refused to fold. The depth and versatility on display are encouraging signs for a franchise looking to build for the long term.
Koclanes provided a reassuring update on Bueckers after the game: “Yeah, just precautionary, uh, some soreness. So just doing our due diligence and managing, you know, what’s best for her long-term health.”
Paige Bueckers remains key as Dallas builds new identity
While the win highlighted the growth of Dallas’ rookies, Bueckers’ absence was a reminder of her importance to the team’s present and future.
The 22-year-old has put together a remarkable rookie campaign, averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in her first 13 WNBA appearances. Her playmaking, scoring, and leadership have been central to the Wings’ resurgence.
Head coach Koclanes is aware that protecting Bueckers’ long-term health must take priority. With a four-day break before the next contest against the Phoenix Mercury, Dallas will use the time to allow Bueckers to recover and to experiment with new lineup combinations.
Quinerly and James have both made strong cases for increased roles moving forward.
With a blend of rookie talent and established stars like Ogunbowale, Dallas now has options. The challenge for Koclanes will be to maintain this level of intensity and growth, whether Bueckers is on the court or not.
As the season continues, the Wings have shown they can overcome adversity and find new leaders in unexpected places. With a renewed sense of confidence and a developing young core, Dallas looks ready to keep building – no matter who is in the starting lineup.
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