"We Punched First": Dallas Wings Rookies Power Breakout Win Over Phoenix Mercury

From the opening tip, the Dallas Wings looked like a team determined to prove they were more than their record. Aziaha James poured in a career-high 28 points, Paige Bueckers added 23, and JJ Quinerly posted a career-best 17 as the Wings defeated the Phoenix Mercury 98–89 on Thursday night at College Park Center. The rookie-led backcourt combined for 68 points and controlled the tempo as Dallas won its fifth game in the last seven outings.

The Wings (6–13), who started four rookies for the first time this season, also got 12 points and 11 rebounds from recent trade acquisition Li Yueru. James added six rebounds and six assists, while Dallas shot 61 percent from the field and built a 61–43 halftime lead—their best of the season.

“It’s really fun to play team basketball like this,” Bueckers said postgame. “All eight who played made an impact. It was the Aziaha James game. She was fearless and confident on both ends.”

Dallas erupted for 32 points in the first quarter on 10-of-13 shooting and never trailed. James scored 20 points in the first half alone, including 13 in the second quarter, and hit five 3-pointers on the night. The breakout performance came with composure, precision, and an understanding of the moment.




https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/dallas-wings-rookies-shine-win-phoenix-mercury/