Maddy Siegrist matched her career high by scoring 22 points in her first start since June 6, with Li Yueru adding 20 points off the bench, helping the Dallas Wings edge out the Indiana Fever 81-80 on Tuesday night, ending a five-game losing streak. Paige Bueckers hit a three-pointer pass to Myisha Hines-Allen, pushing Indiana’s lead to 78-61 early in the fourth quarter, but Dallas managed just one more field goal after that.
The Fever played without Kate Rinklerk, who missed her 20th game this season due to a groin injury. Dallas went on a 19-3 run, capped by a difficult shot in the lane with 33.4 seconds left. Bueckers missed a crucial jumper with 14 seconds remaining, and Indiana grabbed the rebound. In the final moments, Mitchell’s three-pointer hit the side of the backboard, sealing the game for Dallas.
In a separate game, the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 105-97. Emma Meesman scored a season-high 24 points, and Jonquel Jones added 21 points and 11 rebounds, powering New York to their season-best scoring performance. Coach Sandy Brondello earned her 100th win with the Liberty, marking a franchise record for most wins. Natasha Cloud’s back-to-back layups extended New York’s lead late in the game, with Sabrina Ionescu contributing 14 points and six assists. Brenna Stewart, Isabel Harrison, and Nyara Sabury were sidelined due to injuries.
For Los Angeles, Kelsey Plum scored 26 points in her fifth game over eight days, supported by DiJonai Carrington’s 21 points and eight rebounds. Azura Stevens and Riquna Williams also contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively, though Cameron Brink did not play in the second half.
Fan Take: These closely contested games highlight the rising competitiveness of the WNBA, showing that every possession counts and showcasing emerging stars. For fans, the thrilling finishes and high-level performances signal an exciting future for the league’s growth and visibility.
