When the Dallas Wings selected rookie guard Paige Bueckers in the 2025 WNBA Draft, fans felt a renewed sense of optimism. Coming off a dismal 9-31 season, the franchise pinned its hopes on Bueckers—an elite talent—to breathe new life into a team in search of direction.
However, just weeks into the new season, that optimism is already fading. The Wings fell to 1-8 following a 93-79 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, June 6. After the game, head coach Chris Koclanes broke his silence, offering some raw and candid remarks.
Chris Koclanes Takes Responsibility After Loss to Sparks
In his postgame remarks, Chris Koclanes didn’t rely on platitudes or avoid addressing the team’s issues. Unlike earlier press conferences where he emphasized team chemistry and morale, this time the Wings’ head coach took full responsibility for the team’s poor performance.
“Poor,” Koclanes said bluntly. “We’re just trying to figure it out. It just seems like we can’t get everybody on the same page. No, I’m not gonna make excuses. I won’t chalk it up.”
He acknowledged the impact injuries have had on the team’s ability to build momentum. Rookie Paige Bueckers is sidelined with a concussion, and veteran guard Tyasha Harris is battling a knee injury.
“It’s tough when you’re missing Paige and Ty—two players who bring order to our offense,” Koclanes explained. “Their absence forces us to adapt in ways that aren’t easy.”
He also mentioned forward Myisha Hines-Allen’s recent struggles, noting that her inability to get into a rhythm has made things harder. “Myisha’s had a rough stretch the last few days and hasn’t really found her groove. That’s hurt us too, especially since she’s someone who can create from the post.”
With key players out, the coaching staff has had to make adjustments—like asking DiJonai Carrington to run the point. “She played really well the last two games,” Koclanes said. “But tonight, she had a tough outing.”
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Wings Defense Overwhelmed by Sparks’ Efficiency
The injuries impacted both offense and defense during Friday’s game. The Sparks relentlessly attacked the paint from the start, and whenever Dallas collapsed to defend, Los Angeles punished them with deep shots. The Sparks shot an impressive 55.6% from the field (35-of-63) and appeared in control throughout the game.
Dallas struggled to respond. Their defensive rotations were consistently slow, while offensively, the Wings lacked fluid ball movement and appeared disorganized. Coach Koclanes emphasized the importance of perseverance but acknowledged that motivation alone isn’t enough.
“We just have to stick with it. It starts with me. It starts with our staff. I’m not going to make excuses,” he said. “I’m going to keep showing up for them, keep supporting them and putting them in the right positions. We’ll keep fighting, keep believing, and eventually, we’ll turn this around.”
Despite the loss, there were some positives. DiJonai Carrington scored 16 points, and rookie Ja’Naiya “JJ” Quinerly contributed 14. Still, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome a game where Dallas seemed out of sync and outmatched.
Frustration was evident throughout. Players visibly hung their heads after missed defensive rotations, possessions ended in hurried shots, and the bench looked deflated late in the fourth quarter as the game slipped further away.
Wings Facing Familiar Questions
The Wings have long struggled to establish a clear, consistent identity. With Bueckers sidelined, that vision feels more uncertain than ever. What was meant to be a fresh beginning is starting to resemble a replay of previous disappointing seasons.
Unless there’s a significant change—be it a new approach, increased effort, or the return of healthy players—Dallas risks facing another lost year. This time, however, there’s no room for excuses. The fans are paying attention, the pressure is building, and the clock is already counting down.
