Connecticut Sun vs Dallas Wings
83 86
Photos By: Nancy J. Dagata
PAIGE-PALOOZA: Bueckers, James Shine in Nail-Biting 86–83 Dallas Win at Mohegan
Dallas Wings 86, Connecticut Sun 83
June 20, 2025 | Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
Game Flow
Mohegan erupted with anticipation as Paige Bueckers made her third Connecticut return of the season. Dallas jumped out early, owning the first quarter 21–15 behind aggressive drives by Bueckers and NaLyssa Smith. Connecticut stormed back in Q2, outscoring Dallas 25–21 to reclaim a four-point advantage.
The third quarter featured lead swings and high drama, with Sun rookie Aneesah Morrow tying it at 62–62 with 1:18 remaining. But Aziaha James responded swiftly with a floater to nudge Dallas ahead, and Bueckers kept the backcourt humming to enter the final frame up 64–61.
Down the stretch, Bueckers and James guided the Wings through tense possessions. When Dallas clung to an 82–79 lead, Bueckers found Arike Ogunbowale for a dagger trey with 2:45 left. Connecticut battled, but Bueckers sealed it at the line, finishing 86–83 and sparking Dallas’ first back-to-back wins.
Key Stats
Dallas Wings
- Aziaha James (DAL): 17 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast — career-high performance, 10 of 17 came in the second half.
- Paige Bueckers (DAL): 21 pts, 7 ast, 2 reb, 2 stl — first technical foul, mid-range magic, locked in late.
Connecticut Sun
- Tina Charles (CONN): 26 pts, 6 reb — veteran presence kept Sun within reach.
- Aneesah Morrow (CONN): 13 pts, 7 reb — spark of youth, clutch equalizer in Q3.
Turning Point
1:18, Q3 – Morrow’s basket tied it up, but James answered with a floater moments later — that swing propelled Dallas into the final quarter with the lead in hand.
On Tour Magazine Analysis
- Bueckers & James, Rookie Revolution
Back-to-back breakout acts — James and Bueckers became the only rookies in WNBA history this season with 15+ pts, 5+ reb, and 5+ ast games, their synergy defined the win. - Professional Poise
Despite a technical and constant defensive attention, Bueckers remained cool, directing the offense and hitting pressure-dropped shots. Dallas posted their first back-to-back wins – a signature of maturity infused into youth. - Sun’s Late Offensive Narrowness Connecticut leaned heavily on Charles and lacked consistent roster support down the stretch. Morrow’s energy kept them in it, but they couldn’t withstand the combined rookie push.
What’s Next
- Dallas Wings (4–11): Head to Washington for a rematch with the Mystics — aiming to ride this momentum forward.
- Connecticut Sun (2–12): Hit the road to San Francisco on June 22 to face Golden State, seeking answers to halt their franchise-worst slump.
On Tour Magazine — the league’s real story, in real time.