Wings snap lengthy skid in Paige Bueckers’ return to Connecticut

It was a profitable homecoming for Paige Bueckers and the primary win of the season for the Dallas Wings.

Playing her first recreation as a professional in her collegiate state, Bueckers had a career-high 21 factors and 7 assists to guide the Wings to a 109-87 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in Uncasville, Conn.

Dallas (1-4) broke a 13-game dropping streak relationship again to final season. The Sun fell to 0-5, their worst begin since in addition they dropped their first 5 in 2020.

The Wings’ 109 factors have been probably the most scored by any WNBA staff this season and eight off a franchise document.

Bueckers, the No. 1 total choose within the 2025 WNBA Draft, was greeted with cheers all through the sport from the sellout crowd aware of her exploits for the close by Connecticut Huskies. She led the Huskies to the Final Four on 4 events, together with the nationwide title in April.

Arika Ogunbowale had 19 factors for the Wings, together with a stretch within the third quarter the place she made lengthy 3-pointers on three straight possessions. DiJonai Carrington, making her return to Connecticut after taking part in for 4 years with the Sun, had 16 for Dallas.

Tina Charles led Connecticut with a game-high 27 factors. Marina Mabrey added 19 factors, and Bria Hartley had 12.

Dallas shot 56.1 p.c from the ground and scored 19 factors off 17 Sun turnovers.

The Wings shattered their season excessive with 56 first-half factors, taking pictures 54.5 p.c from the ground, with Bueckers main the best way with 15, totally on pull-up jumpers close to the free-throw line.

Both groups got here out firing in a primary quarter that noticed seven lead modifications and the Sun lead 24-23 on the horn when Hartley sank a trey with 1.6 seconds left.

Dallas dominated the second quarter and took management with an 11-0 run sparked by a 3 from Aziaha James, which have been the primary factors of her WNBA profession. The lead grew to as a lot as 17 within the first half.

Connecticut responded with a spurt, getting 5 straight factors by Saniya Rivers to drag to 56-42 at half.

The Sun received inside 88-76 when Charles scored on a spin transfer to begin the fourth quarter, however Dallas pulled away with an 8-0 run. Bueckers checked out for good with 4:09 left.

The Wings misplaced reserve guard Tyasha Harris to a knee damage, and he or she didn’t return after halftime.

–Field Level Media