The Dallas Wings and rookie star Paige Bueckers are enduring a historically rough start, posting a dismal 1-8 record — the worst opening stretch for a WNBA franchise — and currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Head coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged the struggles following a 93-79 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. “We’re trying to figure things out, but we just can’t seem to get everyone on the same page. I’m not going to make excuses, but it’s tough when you don’t have players like Paige and Ty Harris,” he admitted.
The Wings made headlines by selecting UConn standout Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. After leading the Huskies to their 12th NCAA title, the heralded guard entered the pros aiming to leave a lasting legacy.
Paige Bueckers’ teammate pulls rival’s hair during a dirty play
Controversy erupted during the Dallas Wings’ recent loss to the Los Angeles Sparks after guard DiJonai Carrington committed a questionable play that drew immediate attention. While attempting to catch a pass from a teammate in the paint, Carrington had the ball knocked away by Sparks defender Sarah Ashlee Barker.
As Carrington lost her balance and fell to the floor, she reached out—grabbing Barker’s shoulder and appearing to pull her hair in the process. The incident sparked a sharp reaction from Wings announcer Ron Thulin, who exclaimed during the broadcast, “Whoa! If she would’ve had extensions, it would’ve come off.”
Carrington was assessed a loose ball foul on the play, but no further action was taken. Despite leading the Wings with 16 points, her seven turnovers contributed to the team’s 93-79 defeat and ongoing struggles this season.
A rookie is shining for the Wings
Center Luisa Geiselsöder delivered her best performance since entering the WNBA, recording her first career double-double with 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Fellow rookie JJ Quinerly also had a breakout night, setting career highs with 14 points and four assists.
The Dallas Wings shot 42.5 percent from the field, 30 percent from beyond the arc, and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. The team tallied 24 assists on 31 made baskets, with Geiselsöder leading the way with six assists. Dallas also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Los Angeles 35-30, including a season-high six rebounds from Kaila Charles.
The Wings will stay home to take on the Minnesota Lynx for the third time this season on Sunday. The matchup will also serve as the team’s annual Pride Celebration, with the first 4,000 fans at College Park Center receiving a free fanny pack.
