BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Aug. 5, 2025) — Despite another standout performance from rookie guard Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings fell short Tuesday night, dropping an 85-76 decision to the defending champion New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Bueckers recorded her fourth consecutive 20-point game, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a steal. The 2025 Rookie of the Month for June and July continued her historic pace, climbing to No. 2 in franchise history for most 20-point games by a rookie (13). She also joined elite company, tying Diana Taurasi, Elena Delle Donne, and Betty Lennox for 10th-most 20-point games in a rookie season in league history.

Siegrist Returns Strong

The night also marked the return of forward Maddy Siegrist, who had not played since June 11 due to a knee injury. Coming off the bench, Siegrist made an immediate impact, tallying 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting along with three rebounds. Her efficient scoring nearly matched her season high, and her presence gave Dallas a much-needed boost offensively.

“It felt amazing to be back out there with my teammates,” Siegrist said. “I just wanted to contribute and bring energy. Hopefully, I can keep building on this.”

Liberty Pull Away Late

The Liberty, who snapped a four-game losing streak with Sunday’s win over Connecticut, looked sharp again, particularly from long range. New York hit 12-of-24 from beyond the arc, with eight different players connecting from deep. Jonquel Jones paced the Liberty with a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds), while Stephanie Talbot provided 10 points off the bench.

Natasha Cloud added six assists and nine of her 13 points in a pivotal third quarter, while Emma Meesseman and Leonie Fiebich combined for crucial early baskets to fuel New York’s first-half surge.

“We shared the ball and knocked down shots,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said postgame. “It was a total team effort, and that’s the way we need to play down the stretch.”

How It Happened

• First Quarter (NYL 24, DAL 15): The Liberty raced out with a 9-0 run, led by Fiebich and Meesseman. Dallas clawed back behind five early points from Arike Ogunbowale, but New York’s 61.5% shooting set the tone.

• Second Quarter (DAL 20, NYL 13): Dallas responded with a 17-5 run, keyed by Bueckers, Siegrist, and Luisa Geiselsöder, who each scored five points. Geiselsöder dominated the boards with six rebounds as Dallas closed the half trailing just 37-35.

• Third Quarter (NYL 23, DAL 18): Bueckers drained a 3-pointer to open the half, but Cloud sparked a 17-6 Liberty run. New York shot 52.6% in the period, led by Cloud and Jones inside.

• Fourth Quarter (NYL 25, DAL 23): The Liberty caught fire again, hitting their first seven shots and stretching the lead to 15. Talbot’s hot shooting off the bench sealed the win despite Dallas’ late push.

Key Stats

• Dallas Shooting: 37.2% FG, 22.2% 3PT, 75% FT

• New York Shooting: 46.8% FG, 50% 3PT (12-of-24)

• Rebounds: Dallas 39, New York 38

• Leaders — Dallas: Bueckers (21 points), Geiselsöder (10 rebounds), Bueckers/Ogunbowale/Geiselsöder (4 assists each)

• Leaders — New York: Jones (15 points, 10 rebounds), Cloud (6 assists)

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Postgame Press Conference

What’s Next

With the win, New York (19-10) pulled even in the all-time series with Dallas at 42-42. The Wings (8-22) will have an immediate chance for redemption as the teams meet again Friday in Arlington. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, airing nationally on ION.

For Dallas, the focus will be on building around Bueckers’ historic rookie run and Siegrist’s return to full strength.

“We’re right there,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said. “If we clean up a few stretches defensively and finish possessions, these games can swing in our favor.”