The Dallas Wings suffered a painful defeat, 102-72, by the Phoenix Mercury on July 7 but that was not the worst part. Even though the game had a big importance for the Wings’ aspirations, the real worry and concern after the game was not the score.
All the eyes and words were about rookie Paige Bueckers, who got hit hard in the head during the first part of the game. Thankfully, her coach Chris Koclanes arrived with good news later at the press conference, saying Paige was “feeling okay” after the scary impact.
The incident silenced the Arena
The clash happened when Bueckers was going to the basket and met Mercury’s big player, Kalani Brown. Her elbow seemed to hit Bueckers near her head. No foul was called, but videos and fan clips online clearly showed what happened.
Bueckers looked upset, touching her head and ear as she played on. She stayed in for a bit but was taken out after playing only 24 minutes and making 11 points, much less than her usual.
This was a big deal since Bueckers had just come back from resting four games because of another head hit earlier in the season during a game against the Chicago Sky.
Coach Koclanes: “She’s Feeling Okay”
After the game, Coach Koclanes said:
“Yup. We talked to her here, she’s feeling okay,” he noted.
Though the team has not shared more health news, the coach’s words seemed to mean that Bueckers did not get another concussion, a relief for her and the team.
Bad luck for the Wings and the WNBA
The Wings are really short on players currently. Main players like Arike Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, and Maddy Siegrist are out due of injuries, leaving the squad with just eight available players for the next macthes.
Bueckers has been a key player in a tough season all year round, scoring over 21 points a game in her last seven games before playing Phoenix.
Her playing is key not just for Dallas to do well but also for the WNBA and its expansion. As a new player, along with others like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, she is another responsible of bringing more fans, news coverage, and ticket sales to the league. Her staying in the game is good for the league’s fame and growth.
What is next for her and the Wings?
The Wings have to move fast and find solutions. They play the Chicago Sky on July 9. It is not clear yet if Bueckers will be available for that game, but the first signs look good. The team’s medical staff will keep a close eye on her, more so because she is coming back from another concussion not long ago.
Fans and experts will be watching with car, not only to see her play again, but to see how she helps her team and the league in a big change season.
Read the full article here
