PHOENIX, AZ (July 7, 2025) – The Dallas Wings (6-13) and Phoenix Mercury (12-6) meet Monday night at Footprint Center in the rubber match of their three-game season series. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT, with the Mercury looking to bounce back from a surprising 98-89 loss to a shorthanded Wings squad on July 3 at College Park Center.

Dallas will once again be without four key contributors: All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb), Maddy Siegrist (right knee), DiJonai Carrington (rib), and Ty Harris (left knee). Despite the depleted rotation, Head Coach Chris Koclanes‘ squad has won five of its last seven and enters Monday’s contest riding a four-game home winning streak, although the Wings are just 2-9 on the road this season.

Rookies Stepping Up

The July 3 win over Phoenix was a breakout moment for Dallas’ rookie class. Aziaha James erupted for a career-high 28 points, hitting five three-pointers and dishing out six assists, while Paige Bueckers added 23 points in her seventh 20-point performance of the season. JJ Quinerly and Luisa Geiselsöder also made critical contributions in the starting lineup, making Dallas the first WNBA team since 2000 to start four rookies in a single game.

The rookies accounted for over 70% of the team’s points in the last matchup, giving the Wings a sense of identity despite the injuries. Koclanes has praised the class for their maturity and ability to compete against elite-level opponents.

Mercury’s Redemption Plan

Phoenix (12-6) still holds the second-best record in the league and has dominated the all-time series against Dallas, leading 49-33. The Mercury were stunned in Arlington but remain confident heading back to home court, where they are 7-2 this season.

Veteran forward Kahleah Copper is expected to lead the way after dropping 33 points in the loss. She’ll need more consistent help from Diana Taurasi, Natasha Cloud, and Sophie Cunningham if the Mercury plan to slow down Dallas’ youthful pace.

Phoenix’s coaching staff is likely to make defensive adjustments to contain James and Bueckers, who combined for 51 points in the previous contest.

Matchup to Watch: James vs. Copper

Aziaha James has quickly emerged as a threat from beyond the arc and in transition. Her matchup with Copper—who excels in half-court sets and slashing attacks—will be crucial. If James can stay hot from deep and handle defensive pressure, the Wings may pull off a second straight upset.

Key Stats & Trends

• Dallas has lost nine of its last 11 road games.

• Phoenix is averaging 85.1 PPG while holding opponents to 80.6 PPG at home.

• Paige Bueckers ranks third among rookies in points per game and has passed Sandy Brondello for most 20-point games by a rookie in franchise history.

• Kahleah Copper has scored 20+ points in six of her last eight outings.

Bottom Line

Despite being undermanned, Dallas has found rhythm and swagger behind its rookie core. Monday’s game will test whether that spark can translate into road success against a battle-tested Phoenix squad. The Mercury, motivated by revenge and bolstered by home-court advantage, will aim to reclaim control of the series—and their defensive edge.

A win for Dallas would not only clinch the season series but also send a league-wide message that the Wings’ rebuild might be arriving ahead of schedule.