The Dallas Wings are set to return to Texas on Wednesday to face off against the Las Vegas ace after completing a three-game road trip. During these games, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers struggled with her shooting, hitting only 30% from beyond the arc, while averaging 16.3 points and 3.7 assists. Although her scoring was decent, the Wings struggled defensively, especially on the perimeter, which has been a significant issue this season.
Despite being the second-best defensive team in the league, the Wings have had trouble slowing down their opponents. While they possess strong interior defenders, their performance on the court hasn’t been consistent. Li Yueru acknowledged that the team needs to improve their transition defense, expressing optimism that the team will get better returning home.
Paige Bueckers, viewed as a potential franchise leader for years to come, recognizes the importance of vocal leadership, particularly on defense. She emphasized the need for toughness and unity, noting that dealing with adversity is part of the journey toward building a championship-caliber team.
To break winning streaks against seasoned opponents like the Las Vegas ace, the Wings must elevate their game on both offense and defense.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on July 16, 2025.
Fan Take: For WNBA fans, this update highlights the growing pains of a talented but still developing Wings team striving to reach their full potential. How they address these defensive lapses will be crucial not only for their success but also in adding depth and excitement to the league as competition intensifies.