With the team missing several notable veterans due to injury including Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and DiJonai Carrington, Wings head coach Chris Koclanes was forced to pivot to a starting lineup that included four rookies for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury.

Bueckers has scored double digits in every game she has played in. She also joined with Aziaha James (28 points, 6 assists) to be the first rookie due to ever go 20-5 together in the same WNBA game.

Paige Bueckers is back and continuing to excel. The 2025 No. 1 pick made her return to the Dallas Wings lineup Thursday and helped guide her team to a 98-87 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.