James’ 28 and Bueckers’ 23 Spark Rookie-Fueled Wings to 98–89 Win Over Mercury

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| Rookie Revolution in Arlington |
In a thrilling display of youth and tenacity, the Dallas Wings (6–13) secured a 98–89 upset over the Phoenix Mercury (12–6) on July 3, 2025, at College Park Center. With only eight players available, four rookies started, making a profound impact on both ends of the court.. This dynamic lineup underscores a transformative moment for a team that began the season 1–11.

| Standout Performances Light the Spark |

• Aziaha James exploded for a career-high 28 points, including 20 in the first half, and tallied six rebounds and six assists. Her perfect shooting display in the second quarter—7-of-7 from the field with 4-of-4 from three—helped build an early lead.
• Paige Bueckers, already a headline-grabbing rookie, contributed 23 points and five assists, earning her the WNBA Rookie of the Month for June.
• JJ Quinerly, another freshman starter, delivered a career-best 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
• Li Yueru, a second-year player, recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, going an impressive 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.

| First-Half Domination Sets Tone |
Dallas wasted no time setting the tone, sprinting to a 61–43 lead by halftime. Their offensive efficiency was off the charts—shooting 61% overall, going 7-of-13 from three, and converting 14-of-15 free throws. James racked up 13 points in the second quarter and continued her flawless run. Bueckers added 14 points in the half, while the overall team effort overwhelmed Phoenix’s stout defense.

| Controlling Pace and Size Advantage |
Head coach Chris Koclanes emphasized his game plan early: set the tenor with physicality, use inside-out basketball, and utilize their roster depth.. Employing a two-center lineup rotated between Teaira McCowan, Luisa Geiselsöder, and Li Yueru, the Wings leveraged size to disrupt Phoenix’s rhythm.. “We came out and we established right from the tip how physical we were going to play and that we were going to set the tempo,” Koclanes explained.

| Responding to Phoenix’s Surge |
Despite being down 18 at times in the third quarter, Phoenix initiated a comeback—sparked by Kahleah Copper’s eight quick points and Alyssa Thomas chipping in—closing the gap to 67–63. James answered with a powerful baseline drive and a three-point play, regaining control. Bueckers added free throws to seal the third quarter at 82–71 .

| Clutch Execution Clinches the Win |
Dallas maintained their advantage, extending it to 92–74 in the final quarter. Every rookie starter contributed—James, Bueckers, Quinerly, and Geiselsöder proved depth and poise in high-leverage minutes. Their collective effort was a testament to team construction and development, balancing offensive bursts with disciplined defense.

| Phoenix’s Stars Fall Short |
Despite Copper’s explosive 33-point performance—her 11th career 30-point game—and solid contributions from Satou Sabally (20 points) and Monique Akoa Makani (14), the Mercury couldn’t overcome Dallas’s defensive pressure. The loss snapped their six-game win streak and showcased the Wings as legitimate threats .

| Turning Point for the Wings
This marks Dallas’s fifth win in their last seven games, climbing from a dismal start to being just three games behind the playoff threshold.. The rookie quartet has injected energy and belief into the roster—transforming the Wings into a gritty, unpredictable force.

| Looking Ahead
Dallas heads to Phoenix on Monday for a rematch that will test their development and mental fortitude. As coach Koclanes noted, “now we turn around and go to Phoenix… it’ll be a great test for a young group.” The trajectory suggests a young team embracing its identity—and gaining momentum under pressure.

Bottom Line:
With Aziaha James’s breakout 28-point, 6–6–6 showing, Paige Bueckers’s steady 23, and the combined energy of four rookies stepping up, Dallas Flames lit up the scoreboard and reinvigorated their season. This 98–89 victory isn’t just another win—it’s a statement: the Wings, fueled by emerging young talent, are building a foundation for sustained success.

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