In a remarkable display of resilience and talent, the Dallas Wings pulled off a significant upset against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. Battling through a slew of injuries and roster challenges, the Wings secured a 98-89 victory over one of the league’s top teams, marking a pivotal moment in their 2025 WNBA season.
The Wings entered the game with a daunting injury crisis. Only six players fully participated in practice the day before, and the team had to sign a 12th player just to avoid forfeiting the match due to a lack of available personnel. By tip-off, Dallas had only eight players suited up, a stark contrast to the Mercury’s healthier lineup.
Despite these hurdles, the Wings started strong, outscoring Phoenix 11-2 early on and closing the first quarter with a 12-point lead. The momentum continued as Dallas put up a staggering 29-point quarter, carrying an 18-point advantage into halftime. The Wings maintained their offensive intensity after the break, scoring 37 points in the second half to seal their sixth win of the season.
Rookies stole the spotlight for Dallas. Aziaha James, the 12th pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, led all scorers with 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting. Meanwhile, the No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers contributed 23 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the floor. Bueckers, recently named a starter for the 2025 WNBA All-Star game and the league’s Rookie of the Month for June, has been a beacon of hope for the Wings amid the injury chaos.
“I’m used to competing when shorthanded,” Bueckers said, reflecting on the team’s adversity. Her leadership and scoring prowess were crucial, especially given the absence of key players like star guard Arike Ogunbowale, sidelined with a left thumb injury, and guard-forward DiJonai Carrington, out with a rib injury. Guard Tyasha Harris is out for the season with a left knee injury, and forward Maddy Siegrist remains sidelined with a right knee fracture, with no clear return date.
Adding to the Wings’ frontcourt strength, Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder returned this week from their EuroBasket commitments, joining 6-7 center Li Yueru, who was acquired through a trade with the Seattle Storm on June 14. This trio provided a solid presence in the paint, balancing the team’s youthful backcourt and helping to control rebounds and defense.
The week leading up to the game was a whirlwind for Dallas. On Monday, June 30, the Wings traded NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces, a move that shook the roster. Then, on Wednesday, July 2, the team signed Liatu King, a Notre Dame alum and 28th overall pick in the 2025 draft, to a rest-of-season contract. Although King saw limited action on game night, her signing was vital to fielding a full squad.
On the other side, the Phoenix Mercury came into the game with a strong record of 12-6 and a reputation for balanced, high-scoring play. The Mercury rank fifth in scoring, averaging 83.6 points per game, and boast a stout defense, allowing just 79.3 points per game. Their lineup features standout players like Satou Sabally, who averages 19.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game with an impressive 81.9% free throw percentage, and Alyssa Thomas, a playmaking force with 9.3 assists per game.
Despite their strengths, the Mercury struggled to contain the Wings’ energy and depth, especially in the paint. Kahleah Copper, contributing 13.4 points and 1.6 steals per game, was active but couldn’t stem Dallas’s scoring runs. The Mercury had won four of the last five matchups against the Wings, including a 93-80 victory on June 12, but this game marked a turning point.
The Wings’ rebounding prowess, ranking third in the league with 36.4 boards per game, was on full display. This advantage helped them control possession and set the pace against the Mercury’s balanced offense. The combination of veteran presence in the frontcourt and the explosive rookie guards proved too much for Phoenix to handle.
Broadcast to enthusiastic fans via KFAA-TV Channel 29 and streamed on Fubo, the game drew attention not just for the on-court action but also for the inspiring narrative of a team overcoming adversity. The atmosphere at College Park Center was electric, with fans witnessing a gritty Dallas squad defy expectations.
Images from the game captured intense moments: Kahleah Copper dribbling against the Wings’ defense, Alyssa Thomas shooting over Myisha Hines-Allen, Paige Bueckers reacting after scoring in front of Phoenix’s Kitija Laksa, Luisa Geiselsöder driving to the basket, and Li Yueru poised to shoot under defensive pressure. These snapshots encapsulate the fierce competition and skill on display.
While the Wings have struggled to find consistency this season, their performance against Phoenix signals a potential shift. This victory is their second winning streak of 2025, a testament to their resilience and the impact of their young talent.
Looking ahead, the Wings will aim to build on this momentum, hoping to stay healthy and continue their climb in the standings. The Mercury, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost them this hard-fought game.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Thursday’s game was a reminder that in sports, tenacity and teamwork can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. The Dallas Wings may be down on paper, but on the court, they showed they’re far from out.
