Bueckers season-high – Paige Bueckers poured in a season-high 31 points as the Dallas Wings beat the Phoenix Mercury 85-70 in Arlington, Texas. Jessica Shepard added 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Dallas outscored Phoenix 25-16 in the third quarter to take control.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Paige Bueckers turned the Dallas Wings’ Thursday night into a statement, scoring a season-high 31 points and leading the team past the Phoenix Mercury 85-70.
The offense started with speed and precision. Bueckers hit 24 points in the first half on 11-of-14 shooting. including a 3-pointer with 54.2 seconds left to send Dallas into the break with a 45-33 lead. The Wings then tightened the game further in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 25-16 to widen a growing advantage.
Dallas’s lead reached as high as 22 points before Phoenix clawed back. With 1:28 remaining, the Mercury cut it to 80-70 after Dallas sat Bueckers to protect the advantage. But the closing minutes swung back quickly. Phoenix was called for an offensive foul on its next possession. and Li Yueru capped it with a three-point play with 42.5 seconds left. pushing Dallas to a 13-point lead that sealed the win.
Bueckers finished with six rebounds and five assists in 31 minutes, recording her 17th 30-point game of the WNBA season. It was the third 30-point performance of her career and her first since setting the rookie scoring record last August.
Jessica Shepard had her own impact line for Dallas with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Azzi Fudd added 17 points, and Shepard secured her 26th career double-double and seventh of the season.
For Phoenix, Lexi Held led the way with 17 points. Kahleah Copper went 3 of 10 from the field for 13 points. Alyssa Thomas contributed six points with nine rebounds and 10 assists.
The results set up quick turnarounds: Phoenix begins a three-game homestand on Saturday against Los Angeles, while Dallas plays at Portland on Saturday.
WNBA Dallas Wings Phoenix Mercury Paige Bueckers Jessica Shepard Azzi Fudd Li Yueru Lexi Held Kahleah Copper Alyssa Thomas