Arlington, TX (July 16, 2025) — In a game packed with grit and momentum swings, the Dallas Wings nearly erased a 22-point second-half deficit before falling just short in a 90-86 loss to the Las Vegas Aces at College Park Center. Despite the defeat, it was a statement night for rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, who posted 20 points, eight assists, and three rebounds in her final game before Saturday’s All-Star debut.
The Wings, who had won four straight on their home floor, drop to 6-17 on the season, while the Aces climb back to .500 at 11-11. The matchup was a rematch of their June 13 clash, where Las Vegas pulled off a late comeback. This time, the roles nearly reversed—but the Aces held on thanks to a dominant night from A’ja Wilson.
Bueckers, Geiselsöder Spark Wings’ Balanced Attack
Five Dallas players scored in double figures, highlighted by a career-best 14-point night from Luisa Geiselsöder and a season-high 12 points off the bench from Haley Jones. The Wings also dished out a season-high 32 assists on 34 field goals—a franchise-record assist percentage of 94.1%, the second-highest mark by any team in the WNBA this season.
Bueckers was the engine, orchestrating the offense with precision while matching a game-high eight assists. Arike Ogunbowale added six dimes and nine points, while JJ Quinerly filled the stat sheet with 11 points and five steals—matching the highest single-game steal mark for a rookie in 2025.
First Half: Competitive, Physical, and Efficient
The first quarter ended in a 22-22 deadlock, as Dallas opened with a seven-point burst before Las Vegas answered with a run of its own. A’ja Wilson set the tone for the Aces early, notching eight points and four boards in the opening frame.
In the second, Geiselsöder’s versatility was on full display, scoring inside and from distance. She had 14 points by halftime, keeping Dallas within striking distance. The Wings trailed 47-41 at the break, despite Wilson’s 20-point outburst and the Aces shooting 51.4% from the field.
Third Quarter Collapse
The third quarter proved disastrous for Dallas. The Aces outscored the Wings 25-11, with Wilson adding nine more to her tally and Aaliyah Nye drilling two triples to stretch the lead. Dallas managed just 20% shooting in the frame—its lowest-scoring third quarter of the season.
Fourth Quarter Fury
Down by 22, the Wings stormed back with a blistering 34-point fourth quarter. Yueru Li and Bueckers led an 11-1 run to start the period, cutting into the Aces’ lead. Bueckers was masterful down the stretch, dishing out four assists in the final quarter and hitting a clutch jumper with 27 seconds left to bring Dallas within two, 86-84.
But A’ja Wilson, who finished with game highs of 37 points and 10 rebounds, hit a key bucket with under 24 seconds left. Chelsea Gray sealed it at the free-throw line, halting Dallas’ comeback just short.
Final Stats & Notes
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Dallas FG%: 40%
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Three-Point FG%: 34.5%
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Free Throws: 72.7% (11 attempts)
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Las Vegas FG%: 47.9%
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FT Attempts: 26 (65.4%)
Despite the loss, Dallas’ defense was active, forcing a season-high 14 steals. Quinerly’s five swipes equaled the top mark by a rookie in 2025.
What’s Next
Paige Bueckers now turns her focus to All-Star Weekend, where she’ll represent the Wings in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. CT, ABC). The Wings will return to action following the break, hoping to translate their home-court fight into wins down the stretch.
