'We Looked Like a Team': Paige Bueckers Leads Dallas Wings to First Win Over Sun in Return to Connecticut

Paige Bueckers returned to a familiar arena and delivered a career-best performance to help the Dallas Wings secure their first win of the 2025 WNBA season, defeating the Connecticut Sun 10987 on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The No.

1 overall pick scored 21 points on 80% shooting while adding five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.

It was the Wings most complete game of the season their first win in five tries and the first career victory for head coach Chris Koclanes.

It felt great.

Just to play like that as a teamand obviously that environment is special to mebut to be able to play like that as a team and put a full 40 minutes together and come out with a win and stay connected throughout the entire game, Bueckers said.

Theres definitely stuff we need to improve and clean up on, but to put it together like that, it felt good to be out there.

Paige Bueckers Shines in Mohegan Return With several former UConn teammates and fans cheering loudly, Bueckers continued her unbeaten streak at Mohegan Sun Arena, including her collegiate and pro career.

She opened the game with seven points and four assists in the first quarter, including a mid-range jumper off a feed from NaLyssa Smith and a transition assist to DiJonai Carrington .

Bueckers shot 8-of-9 from inside the arc and went 5-of-6 on free throws.

She was in such a rhythm, going 0-for-1 from deep didnt slow her down.

Just taking what the defense was giving me.

My teammates did a great job at setting screens, getting me open, creating rhythm and flow, and letting me get to my spots, Bueckers said.

When we share the ball like that, change sides of the floor, it puts pressure on the defense and creates more open looks for us.

Bueckers also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 60 points and 30 assists in her first five games, surpassing Suzie McConnell Serio .

Shes the first rookie to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 80% or better in a game.

Koclanes praised how Bueckers has managed expectations and excelled early in her rookie season.

She just continues to do things that should be surprising but arent, Koclanes said.

I take a step back to just appreciate the type of player and even more so the type of person that she is.

Balanced Scoring, Major Milestones Dallas featured 11 scorers and five in double figures, led by Arike Ogunbowale s 19 points and six steals, tying her career high.

A third-quarter stretch including three consecutive made 3-pointers by Ogunbowale helped the Wings to grow their lead and keep it out of reach.

She also passed Aja Wilson for second-most points through 200 career games (4,083), trailing only Breanna Stewart (4,121).

DiJonai Carrington added 16 points, Siegrist scored 12, and Kaila Charles contributed 10.

JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James each recorded career highs with five and nine points, respectively, helping the bench contribute 43 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter.

Maddy, Kaila, and Aziaha gave us a spark off the bench.

And then in that third quarter, we got going.

Paige was consistent throughout.

Denejust everybody contributed, Koclanes said.

Thats what were after: a balance where everyones hunting offense and making simple plays.

James hadnt played since logging just six minutes in the season opener, but the rookie guard made the most of her opportunity.

She provided an immediate spark in the second quarter, scoring all nine of her points in the period, including a corner three that marked her first WNBA basket.

Shes committed.

Its early and she hasnt had many opportunities, but shes putting in the extra work and going hard in practice, Koclanes added about James.

It felt right, and she made the most of it.

The kid can score.

Im really excited for her and hope this gives her more confidence.

Well keep finding ways for her to impact the game.

Siegrist asked what its like now playing with Bueckers instead of against her.

The two battled previously in the Big East during their college careers, with Siegrist being a former Villanova star, but now find themselves on the same side as WNBA teammates in Dallas.

Well, its definitely better playing with her than against her.

Shes such a great teammate.

Not only is she a great basketball player, but she really makes her teammates better.

Im happy to be able to play with her.

Bueckers said their shared Big East background and playing style have made the transition seamless, while highlighting how the chemistry-building process already is coming along well.

Were very grateful to be here competing together instead of against each other this time, Bueckers said.

Just being able to learn and grow and help each other out.

I know shes helped me.

We want to continue to lead from where we areeven though were younger players on the teambut to have that same mindset.

We come from great programs in the Big East, we sort of play the same, and have that mutual understanding on the court.

So its just been great to build that chemistry with her.

Paige Bueckers: We Looked Like a Team The Wings put together their most efficient shooting performance of the season, hitting 56.1% from the field, 50% from deep, and 86.2% from the line.

They also recorded season highs in assists (26), steals (10), and rebounding margin (+8).

I think Ill remember the most probably the 26 assists on 37 made shots, and how we played together as a team, Bueckers said.

How unselfish we were, and how much we looked like a team.

That reflected in the numbers.

On the defensive end, Teaira McCowan and Myisha Hines-Allen helped hold the Sun to 20% shooting in the fourth quarter.

Hines-Allen also grabbed her 1,000th career rebound.

McCowan, who finished with five points and five rebounds in roughly 16 minutes, has been an under-the-radar contributor off the bench lately, with a team-best +26 on the season.

Great defensive presence, Koclanes said of McCowan.

She cleans up the boards and clears space in the paint.

I appreciate her consistency getting up and down the floor.

Shes getting more comfortable being on the perimeter, finding her way back to the block.

Couldnt be happier with her approach and impact off the bench.

Tyasha Harris exited the game in the first half with a left knee injury and was later ruled out for the remainder of the night.

Before tipoff, both Harris and Carrington received a tribute video on the jumbotron recognizing their past contributions to the Sun.

Carrington was drafted by the Sun in 2021 and had a breakthrough season last year, earning the WNBAs Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Harris landed in Connecticut in 2023 and played two seasons with the organization.

The Connecticut Sun welcome back DiJonai Carrington and Tyasha Harris with a tribute video before tipoff.

pic.twitter.com/VzJu5HRKiG After starting her professional career with four straight losses, Bueckers was asked if she could recall ever experiencing a similar stretch at any level of basketball, whether in high school, college, or AAU.

I cant remember, Bueckers said when asked if shed ever lost four in a row before.

But theres no time like the present.

Ive never really reflected on thatprobably wouldnt want to.

I want to focus on where we are today.

After multiple close games and steady internal progress, Koclanes said the team was due for a breakthrough, which came to fruition against the Sun.

More than anything, I just felt a sigh of relief for them, Koclanes said.

Its frustrating when youre doing a lot of good things but cant get over the hump.

Now we can put that behind us and continue to focus on the big picture of what were trying to do.

Homecoming Moments Several members of the crowd wore Bueckers UConn and Wings jerseys.

When she blocked Bria Hartley and scored in transition, the ovation was among the loudest of the night.

I think we had a good trap and forced her into a baseline drive.

...

We just flew around trying to make things tough, Bueckers said.

Then we made a play.

I got the contest, and Rick made a great pass in transition.

We executed really well on both ends.

Bueckers also shared a lighthearted moment during the game with former UConn teammate Olivia Nelson-Ododa , who now plays for the Sun.

The two lined up next to each other during a free throw, briefly forgetting they were opponents.

At the free-throw line, I went to fill a spot and Liv stuck her hand out to high-fivejust muscle memory, Bueckers recalled.

We laughed.

I know Bria and her son well, and obviously I know Tina.

Competing is the best sign of respect.

To be able to share the floor with them after everything weve doneespecially with Livits like playing with my sister.

It was really great to compete against them.

Tina Charles , who finished with a game-high 27 points for the Sun, is one of the most decorated players in UConn history.

Meanwhile, Marina Mabrey added 19 points, while Hartley scored 12.

Charles ranks No.

2 on the WNBAs all-time scoring list and is widely regarded as one of the most dominant post players ever.

Bueckers, who shares that same UConn lineage, spoke with admiration about facing the veteran, who is still thriving on the court at 36.

It speaks to her approach and work ethicwhat she does in the offseason to prepare.

I know her a bit from UConn, Bueckers said.

Her shot is unblockable.

You can tell she works extremely hard at it.

Every time it goes up, you think its going in.

That kind of consistency lasts a long time in this league.

Asked about seeing her surprise guests: Theyre greatI love them.

Just to have their support means everything.

Theyre a huge part of my story and me even getting to this stage of my career.

I love them to pieces.

And the final word from Bueckers: Honestly, I dont really think about it.

I dont think Ive ever lost here, so I tried to carry that into tonight.

The Wings will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup on Thursday night against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

CT.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission..

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