Arlington, TX (August 15, 2025) — In a game that showcased grit, milestones, and late drama, the Dallas Wings fell just shy of a comeback Friday night, dropping a 97-96 decision to the Los Angeles Sparks at College Park Center.

Rookie standout Paige Bueckers delivered a performance for the record books, pouring in a game-high 29 points while adding four rebounds and five assists. With her stat line, Bueckers became the fastest Wings rookie to eclipse 500 career points and surpassed Odyssey Sims for most assists in a rookie season.

A Near-Miracle Comeback

The Wings (9-25) trailed by double digits entering the fourth quarter but refused to fold. Fueled by relentless energy, Dallas went on a 20-8 run that set up a nail-biting finish. JJ Quinerly, who posted 11 points and a career-high nine assists, drained a clutch 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to cut the deficit to one.

Los Angeles’ Kelsey Plum then missed two free throws with 12 seconds remaining, but Dallas couldn’t capitalize in the closing seconds, and the Sparks (16-17) escaped with the win.

Bench Dominance for Dallas

Despite the loss, Dallas showcased its depth. The Wings’ bench outscored LA’s reserves 39-7, highlighted by Aziaha James’ 10 points and Li Yueru’s nine points and seven rebounds. The Wings also assisted on 32 of 38 field goals, a season-high display of ball movement and unselfishness.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First Quarter (L.A. 32, DAL 27): Los Angeles rode a hot start from Dearica Hamby, who scored 10 of her 14 first-quarter points in the opening three minutes. Dallas responded with a 7-0 run, led by Bueckers and Maddy Siegrist, to stay within striking distance. Bueckers also dished her record-setting assist to Myisha Hines-Allen, cementing her rookie milestone.

• Second Quarter (DAL 23, L.A. 21): The Sparks extended their lead to double digits, but Dallas stormed back with an 8-0 run before halftime. Bueckers tallied nine more points in the frame, and Luisa Geiselsöder added six off the bench. At the break, LA held a slim three-point edge.

• Third Quarter (L.A. 27, DAL 18): The Sparks surged behind Julie Allemand, who recorded 10 points and four steals in the quarter. Dallas’ offense sputtered, shooting just 31% from the floor. LA pushed the margin back to double digits, setting up a tense fourth.

• Fourth Quarter (DAL 28, L.A. 17): Bueckers and Quinerly carried Dallas’ comeback bid, combining for 17 points. The Wings nearly completed the rally, but time ran out after Plum’s missed free throws gave them one last chance.

Game Leaders

Los Angeles Sparks

• Points: Plum (28)

• Rebounds: Hamby (10)

• Assists: Allemand (10)

Dallas Wings

• Points: Bueckers (29)

• Rebounds: Hines-Allen (7)

• Assists: Quinerly (9)

Looking Ahead

The Sparks’ trio of Plum, Hamby, and Allemand proved decisive, combining for 48 points while maintaining LA’s playoff push. Dallas, meanwhile, once again displayed its young core’s resilience and potential, even in defeat.

The Wings will now turn their attention to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, traveling west for a Sunday matinee at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT, airing nationally on ABC.