The Dallas Wings delivered a decisive win on Sunday night at the College Park Center, beating the Seattle Storm 92-70. The victory moved the Wings to a 22-16 record, solidifying their position in the WNBA standings as they chase a deeper playoff run.
Paige Bueckers leads the way
Rookie guard Paige Bueckers was the engine of the triumph, pouring in a career‑high 32 points on 12‑of‑16 shooting. She was flawless from beyond the arc, connecting on all six of her three‑point attempts, and added four rebounds and four assists. Bueckers now averages 20.3 points, 5.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game, each a personal best, and her shooting efficiency has risen to 49.9 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three‑point range.
Injuries test the roster
The Wings have faced a spate of setbacks in recent weeks. Star rookie Azzi Fudd, the team’s fourth‑leading scorer and top perimeter rebounder, was ruled out for the season after aggravating a chronic right‑knee injury. The loss came on the heels of a five‑loss stretch that included injuries to first‑year All‑Star Jessica Shepard and other key contributors.
Despite the roster challenges, Dallas has found ways to respond. Arike Ogunbowale, the team’s second‑leading scorer, has been productive, averaging 15.3 points and 3.1 assists per game and recently scoring 32 points in a win over the Indiana Fever. All‑Star starter Jessica Shepard added 11 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday, and she posted a 26‑point, eight‑board performance in the earlier victory against Indiana.
What the win means for the playoff picture
The 92‑70 triumph is the Wings’ second straight win at a critical juncture in the season. With the Western Conference race tightening, the team’s ability to generate offense efficiently—especially from the perimeter—will be essential. Bueckers’ scoring burst and improved shooting percentages provide a bright spot as the Wings navigate the remainder of the schedule without Fudd.
Coach Vickie Johnson emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing the game plan despite the injuries. “We have depth and we trust each other,” Johnson said after the game. “Paige stepped up, and the whole group responded. We’ll keep working hard and aim for a deep run in the postseason.”
Looking ahead
Dallas next faces the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, a matchup that will test the Wings’ defensive consistency and the continued production of their veteran leaders. If Bueckers can maintain her scoring pace and the team can keep its health in check, the Wings are positioned to contend for a higher seed heading into the playoffs.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
