Dallas Rookies Dominate in Win Over Phoenix

Rookie Aziaha James soars for a basket over a Phoenix Mercury defender. (Image: Ari Talton)

Arlington - The Dallas Wings (6-13) have had an interesting week, including various roster shuffles and yet another starting lineup. The resilient Wings, however, welcomed one of the better teams in the league - the Phoenix Mercury (12-6) to the College Park Center on Thursday and earned an important 98-89 victory.

A star was born for Dallas in the form of one Aziaha James. With both Arike Ogunbowale and Dijonai Carrington nursing injuries, James was due for extra minutes of playing time. She took full advantage. James played a career-high 38 minutes tonight, scored a team high 28 points on 10 of 20 shooting and she scored on five of her nine attempts from three-point range. The focused rookie also added six assists and six rebounds.

"We've faced a lot of adversity this whole week, but we stayed together” James shared post game. “The rookies always compete against the vets in practice and we’re ready when our number is called.”

Earlier today, rookie Paige Bueckers was named Rookie of the Month for June. How fitting that she would shoot 8-11 from the floor this evening, and score 23 points for her team. Bueckers, who was also named a 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starter added five rebounds, four assists and a steal for her team.

“We’re just able to weather the storm and stick together - it’s just a learning process every single night,” Bueckers shared after the game. “We've always had it in us. Our record could be flipped - we always have fight in us.”

Both Luisa Geiseloder and Tieara McGowan returned to the team tonight after an extended leave for FIBA Women’s Eurobasket. The two combined for 13 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Their size definitely adds a much needed dimension to the Dallas team, which has welcomed the presence of center Li Yueru in their absence. Yueru completed a double-double Thursday night, with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

A third rookie cannot go without mention in the Dallas victory. Guard JJ Quinerly is quickly making a name for herself in the league. Both her decision-making and her speed make her a real force on the floor, but her ball-handling skills will often leave fans speechless. Quinerly directed the Wings’ offense for 35 minutes tonight, scoring 17 points. She led the team with seven assists and also have five rebounds.

“Our rookies were fearless and allowed us to do a lot of positive things,” Coach Chris Koclanes shared post game. “If you can communicate and have good discipline, you can give yourself a chance.”

Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 33 points. Former Wings’ forward Satou Sabally added 20 points in her return to Dallas.

The two teams will meet again in Phoenix on Monday for a quick rematch.