Paige Bueckers missed 4 consecutive video games and did not even have to wipe off any rust.
Bueckers is contemporary off the highest outing of her brief professional profession as she leads the Dallas Wings right into a Friday evening battle in opposition to the host Las Vegas Aces.
Bueckers poured in 35 factors on 13-of-19 taking pictures in Dallas’ 93-80 highway loss in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. She made 5 3-pointers and joined Caitlin Clark (2024) as the one rookies in WNBA historical past to have at the least 35 factors and 5 treys in a single sport.
The explosion got here after Bueckers missed three video games with a concussion and one other as a result of sickness.
“I imply, I used to be getting back from a break and I really feel like I might have used my voice extra, been extra disruptive, crashed the glass extra,” Bueckers mentioned of her play. “In order I get my wind beneath me, I will be higher in these areas. However like I mentioned, simply attempting to contribute in different areas and no matter that appears like on any given evening and can attempt to put my full effort towards that.”
The Wings (1-10) have misplaced six straight coming into the conflict with the Aces (4-4), who’re anticipated to be with out three-time league WNBA A’ja Wilson as a result of a head damage.
Wilson took a tough elbow to the nostril throughout Las Vegas’ 97-89 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday. She eliminated herself with 1:17 left within the third quarter and did not return.
Wilson had 13 factors however hit simply 2 of 12 photographs in opposition to Los Angeles. She additionally had eight rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks.
The larger drawback for the Aces in opposition to the Sparks was their protection. Los Angeles made 15 of 18 photographs (83.3 %) — together with 7 of 8 from 3-point vary — over the primary 14 minutes whereas constructing a 39-19 lead. General, Los Angeles shot 56.9 %.
Jackie Younger tied her profession excessive with 34 factors and Chelsea Grey added a season-high 28 for Las Vegas.
“We rating 89 factors and we solely had two good offensive manufacturing nights: Chelsea and Jackie. Everyone else have been stinkers,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon mentioned after the workforce’s second straight loss. “The bench was a stinker. However 89 factors ought to be sufficient to win a sport. You may’t surrender 50 factors at halftime. We’re nonetheless looking for that 40-minute sport. It is like a rattling unicorn.”
The Friday contest is a part of the Commissioner’s Cup competitors, and each groups are on the backside of the Western Convention portion. The Aces are sixth at 1-2, and the Wings are final at 0-4.
–Area Stage Media
