The Dallas Wings, sitting at a dismal 8-22 mark-the league’s second-lowest-face slim odds of reaching the playoffs with just 14 games to go. Their recent trades, shipping Nalyssa Smith to the Aces and last year’s Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington to the Lynx, signal a shift toward rebuilding rather than contending now. Keep in mind, last month the Wings’ newcomers tallied 72 points, the highest total for rookies on any team since 1999.
Amid the struggles, top draft selection Paige Bueckers has shone brightly all year, dropping at least 10 points in every appearance while stringing together four consecutive 20-point efforts-her 13th overall this campaign. She’s putting up 18.6 points per night (seventh league-wide) and 5.4 assists (ninth).
Bueckers Reflects on Teammates’ Trade
WNBA standout Paige Bueckers didn’t mince words when addressing the recent swaps that sent her ex-teammates DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith packing. The Wings rookie stayed upbeat despite the news, showing deep admiration for the pair as her squad pushes to snap a rough patch in upcoming matchups. “I adore those two,” Bueckers shared.
“They basically took me in like family. I was their kid. What they did for me, making me feel at home in my first year. Accepting me fully. Putting up with my quirks. They turned into older siblings I could turn to for guidance. I miss them already. I get it’s part of the game, but our bond stays strong.”
Carrington fired back on X with, “our babygirl forever fr fr,” echoing the sentiment.
Bueckers Eyes Scoring Milestone in Tough Stretch Ahead
On the points front, Bueckers is charging toward a fresh high for rookie tallies, topping the bar Caitlin Clark set last season at 769 across 40 outings. With 446 already in 24 games, keeping fit and steady might push her past it. That feat could brighten an otherwise gloomy year for the Wings, mired at 8-22 with playoff aspirations dimming.
For Bueckers and company, postseason action feels out of reach, particularly if health issues sideline the star, and the road ahead is grueling. They will square off against the Liberty, the title holders, again tonight, with Bueckers listed as questionable.
On Sunday, August 10, they will battle the Washington Mystics and their rising first-year talent, Kiki Iriafen, who was named Rookie of the Month in May. Then, they will face the Fever, a team they haven’t defeated in three games this season. Additionally, the Fever will likely still be missing Caitlin Clark.
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