ARLINGTON, Texas (Sept. 11, 2025) — In front of a sold-out College Park Center crowd, the Dallas Wings closed their 2025 season in emphatic fashion with a 97-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. The win marked Dallas’ third-largest margin of victory this season and came with a historic twist: three rookies — Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, and Amy Okonkwo — each scored 20-plus points, becoming the first rookie trio in WNBA history to accomplish the feat in a single game.

Bueckers’ Record-Setting Finale

Rookie guard Paige Bueckers once again commanded the spotlight, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and a steal. The performance capped her historic debut campaign by vaulting her to No. 3 on the WNBA’s all-time rookie scoring list (692 points), passing A’ja Wilson (682, 2018). Bueckers also climbed into third all-time in rookie assists (194), moving ahead of Sue Bird (193, 2002).

“She’s been nothing short of remarkable,” head coach Chris Koclanes said postgame. “For Paige to do what she’s done this season while carrying so much responsibility — it speaks volumes about her talent and her competitiveness.”

Bench Sparks the Breakthrough

While Bueckers set the tone, it was the bench duo of James and Okonkwo that ignited the Wings’ turnaround. James, who delivered several scoring bursts throughout the season, added 20 points and tied her career high in rebounds, while Okonkwo had a career night. The undrafted rookie notched 20 points, setting personal bests in field goals, three-pointers, and steals. She also became the ninth undrafted player this season to record a 20-point game.

Together, the rookies combined for 64 points, underscoring Dallas’ promising young core even in a year marred by injuries and setbacks.

Game Flow

• First Quarter: Phoenix opened with a dominant 21-7 run, fueled by Satou Sabally’s nine points. But Dallas roared back behind James, who poured in seven points in the final four minutes to trim the deficit to 28-25.

• Second Quarter: The Wings seized control with a 32-19 frame, sparked by Okonkwo’s back-to-back triples and a 10-point quarter from Bueckers. Dallas entered halftime with a 57-47 lead, riding the momentum of a 19-8 run.

• Third Quarter: Dallas blew the game open with a 25-13 advantage, holding Phoenix to just four made field goals while dominating the paint 14-2. Siegrist chipped in six points, while the bench added 12.

• Fourth Quarter: The Wings extended their lead to as many as 21 before Phoenix closed with an 8-0 run. Okonkwo added five more points late as Dallas sealed the 97-76 triumph.

By the Numbers

Dallas shot 49% from the floor, marking one of its most efficient outings of the season. The Wings also tallied 41 made field goals, the ninth time in franchise history they have reached the 40-plus mark. The bench contributed 46 points, finishing just shy of the team’s season high.

For Phoenix, Sabally led the way with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Mercury, who had already clinched the No. 4 seed in the WNBA Playoffs, finished the regular season 27-17.

Season Reflections

The win closed Dallas’ campaign at 10-34 overall (6-16 at home, 4-18 on the road). Despite the record, the Wings’ season was defined by resilience and the emergence of their rookie class. With Bueckers rewriting the record books, James flashing scoring upside, and Okonkwo proving she belongs on the league stage, Dallas exits 2025 with hope for a brighter future.

“This season didn’t go the way we wanted in terms of wins and losses,” Koclanes said, “but the effort, the fight, and the growth we saw in these young players is something we can absolutely build on.”

As the curtain closes on 2025, the Wings gave their fans a parting gift — a dominant win, history made, and a glimpse of what may lie ahead.

Final Score: Dallas Wings 97, Phoenix Mercury 76