San Francisco, CA (Sept. 4, 2025) — The Dallas Wings fought valiantly but could not hold off a surging Golden State Valkyries squad, falling 84-80 Thursday night at Chase Center. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers delivered another milestone performance, scoring a game-high 27 points to become the Wings’ franchise rookie scoring leader, surpassing Arike Ogunbowale’s 630 points from 2019. Bueckers now sits at 650 career points, moving into fourth place in WNBA history for rookie scoring, trailing only A’ja Wilson (682 in 2018) among active milestones.

Despite the historic night, Dallas (9-33) saw Golden State (23-18) clinch a playoff berth with its fifth straight win.

Bueckers Leads Balanced Dallas Effort

Bueckers once again carried the offensive load, showcasing efficiency and poise. She added to her league-leading rookie résumé by breaking into double figures for the 33rd time, tying for third most in a rookie season in league history.

The Wings also received strong contributions across the lineup. Haley Jones enjoyed her best outing of the season, scoring 18 points and dishing a season-high seven assists while adding three steals and three blocks. Fellow rookie Maddy Siegrist chipped in 16 points, and Myisha Hines-Allen recorded her 20th career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Game Flow: Runs and Responses

Dallas stormed out to a 10-0 start behind Siegrist’s early scoring before Golden State answered with a 13-4 run to close the first quarter up 21-20.

The second period belonged to Dallas, particularly Jones, who energized the Wings with seven points and three steals. Dallas held Golden State to 25 percent shooting in the frame and carried a 41-32 halftime advantage.

Bueckers made history early in the third quarter, hitting a midrange jumper to eclipse Ogunbowale’s rookie record. Moments later, she extended her tally as Dallas built its lead to as many as 13 points (47-34). Yet, Golden State responded with a 14-6 rally, closing the gap to 62-58 entering the fourth.

The final frame was defined by tension. Dallas led 74-72 with just over three minutes remaining, but a cold stretch proved costly. The Wings went scoreless for more than three minutes while Golden State surged ahead with a 7-0 run. Free throws in the final minute sealed the Valkyries’ 84-80 victory, despite Dallas’ late push to narrow the margin to two.

By the Numbers

Dallas shot 42.3 percent from the field, but struggled from deep at just 20 percent from three. The Wings held advantages in points in the paint (36-32) and second-chance points (6-4), but Golden State controlled the glass with a 38-31 rebounding edge and converted at higher efficiency from long range (35 percent from three) and the free-throw line (82.6 percent).

Janelle Salaün led the Valkyries with 19 points, while Monique Billings and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan provided key contributions down the stretch.

Rookie in Rare Company

Bueckers’ historic performance further cements her place among the league’s elite newcomers. Her current 19.1 points per game average ranks sixth all-time among WNBA rookies, and she remains the only player this season to rank in the top seven league-wide in scoring, assists, and steals per game.

For Dallas, her accomplishments are a bright spot in a rebuilding year, and her pursuit of A’ja Wilson’s rookie scoring mark provides one of the most compelling storylines as the season winds down.

What’s Next

The Wings wrap up their road slate Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena (5 p.m. CT, KFAA29 and NBA TV). Dallas will then close the season at home on Thursday, Sept. 11, hosting the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center.

Though the losses have piled up, the continued growth of Bueckers and fellow rookies like Siegrist and Jones underscores Dallas’ long-term potential. For now, history remains a part of nearly every game Bueckers plays — a rare silver lining in a season marked by adversity.