Dallas Wings fans seemed just as excited on Thursday night at College Park Center as they were the day Paige Bueckers was drafted to the team No. 1 overall in April.
A lot has happened since that pivotal day in Wings franchise history, including a barrage of injuries and roster transactions that contributed to Dallas’ less than optimal record and elimination from the 2025 playoffs. But zealous supporters still showed up for the Wings’ regular season finale, an announced sell out against the Phoenix Mercury (27-17) that culminated in a 97-76 win.
Bueckers, who moved to third place all-time for a WNBA rookie in scoring and assists, recorded a game-high 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting. The 23-year old phenom also posted eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal in the win.
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Amy Okonkwo, shooting 8-of-13 from the floor, and Aziaha James, who finished 9-of-17 from the field, added 20 points of their own. Okonkwo contributed four rebounds and James had nine.
The Wings (10-34) achieved double digit victories a year after finishing 9-31 and snapped a 10-game losing streak to close out 2025 on a high note. It was an ending perfect for fan appreciation night.
Wings CEO and managing partner Greg Bibb told The Dallas Morning News before the game that the team has the best fans in the WNBA.
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The team also has Bueckers, who is widely thought to be the Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Bueckers, who recently picked up her third straight Rookie of the Month honor and was named an WNBA All-Star game starter this summer, was averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds ahead of Thursday’s game.
Dallas, campaigning for its star rookie to win the prestigious league award, provided fans with shirts that read “Why slow down?” across the front. On the back was “ 5 for Rookie of the Year.”
Shirts campaigning for Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers to win WNBA Rookie of the Year before a basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II / Staff Photographer
Wings leadership and fans honored Bueckers before the game for recently breaking the franchise’s rookie scoring record. She also holds the franchise’s rookie assists record.
It was Bueckers who kickstarted a pivotal Dallas run late in the first.
Dallas trailed Phoenix 20-6 with just under four minutes remaining in the first quarter, but went on a 19-8 run to close the opening period after Bueckers hit a three at the 3:49 mark. The Wings outscored the Mercury 32-19 in the second quarter to take a 57-47 halftime lead. Dallas outscored Phoenix 40-29 in the second half for its final win of the season.
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