The Dallas Wings emerged victorious with a much-needed win over the Golden State Valkyries, triumphing 80-71 at the College Park Center on June 17, 2025. This was no ordinary victory for the Wings-it marked a significant shift as they ended a disheartening 11-game losing streak.
Their performance, driven by rookie star Paige Bueckers, was nothing short of impressive and displayed a level of poise and determination that the team had been searching for all season.
Bueckers, a former UConn standout, was at the heart of the victory, finishing the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. She showcased her ability to lead and spark her teammates with both offensive and defensive contributions.
Alongside her, veteran Arike Ogunbowale added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Kaila Charles provided a solid 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists to push the Wings to their second win of the season. NaLyssa Smith also played a critical role, collecting a team-high 10 rebounds.
Wings’ new strategy and rising star Bueckers
Head coach Chris Koclanes expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and credited a new approach that he implemented ahead of the game. After facing criticism for not maximizing the Bueckers-Ogunbowale pairing earlier in the season, Koclanes decided to make a change in the lineup, which paid immediate dividends.
The dynamic duo of Bueckers and Ogunbowale, with the added contributions from other players like Charles and Smith, dismantled the Valkyries from the first quarter onward.
Bueckers’ return to the pro scene was particularly special, as legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma was in attendance, watching his former star shine at the professional level. Her performance not only silenced critics but also gave hope to the Wings faithful that the team’s fortunes might be on the upturn.
Despite the jubilant win, Koclanes was quick to acknowledge the strengths of the Valkyries, particularly head coach Natalie Nakase, who has guided the team to solid performances despite key absences. The Valkyries, currently sitting in the fourth position of the Western Conference, have shown resilience even without several key players.
Missing from their roster were key contributors like Cecilia Zandalasini, Temi Fagbenle, and Janelle Salaun, who were away due to participation in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
Valkyries’ struggles amid key player absences
To counteract these absences, Nakase turned to the hardship extension rule to fill out her roster, signing rookies Kaitlyn Chen and Chloe Chibby. Chen, a former UConn player and the 30th overall pick in the 2025 draft, was re-signed after being waived earlier in the season. Despite their efforts, the Valkyries couldn’t keep up with the energy and firepower of the Wings, ultimately losing 80-71.
Although Monique Billings led the Valkyries with a season-high 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Kayla Thornton added 17 points and 5 rebounds, the missing players were felt across the court. Their absence created significant gaps, which the Wings exploited, led by the exceptional performances from Bueckers and Ogunbowale.
As the Wings prepare for their next matchup against the Connecticut Sun on June 20, 2025, there is a renewed sense of optimism within the team. Bueckers’ impactful return and the synergy developing between her and Ogunbowale have given the Wings a fresh sense of confidence.
The team will look to carry the momentum from this victory into their upcoming games, hoping to continue climbing in the Western Conference standings and build upon the performance that finally snapped their losing streak.
The road ahead is challenging, but with the rookie’s dynamic play and Ogunbowale’s consistency, the Wings could very well be a formidable threat to the top teams in the league.
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