Paige Bueckers is heading into a potentially emotionally charged locker room as the Dallas Wings prepare to face the Indiana Fever. The game on August 1st is crucial for the Wings, who are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. This contest also marks another chapter in the budding rivalry between Bueckers and the Fever's star players.
Recently, the Dallas Wings waived guard Grace Berger. Berger's time with the team was brief, as she was initially signed on a seven-day hardship contract on July 16th due to injuries to Maddy Siegrist and Tyasha Harris. Although Berger's playing time was limited, she provided valuable depth during her short stint. Now, Bueckers may face increased responsibility with Berger's departure.
Despite the team's challenges, Bueckers has been a standout performer. She recently set a new rookie record for the most games with at least 20 points and 5 assists, even surpassing Caitlin Clark in this achievement. Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo praised Bueckers as a great teammate.
The upcoming game holds significant weight for both teams. The Indiana Fever won the last meeting on July 13th with a score of 102-83, led by Kelsey Mitchell's 20 points, while Bueckers scored 21 for the Wings. The Fever are heading to Dallas on a three-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a 107-101 win against the Phoenix Mercury. Aari McDonald scored a career-high 27 points, and Aliyah Boston contributed 22 points.
Meanwhile, the Wings lost to the Atlanta Dream 88-85 in a game with 22 lead changes and 14 ties. Bueckers had 21 points, 7 assists, and 1 steal in that game. She reached 400 points and 100 assists in just 22 games, tying a record held by Cynthia Cooper.
The change of venue to the American Airlines Center to accommodate a larger crowd has generated some mixed reactions from fans. Some fans expressed concerns about the last-minute change on social media.
Bueckers leads the Wings in scoring (18.3 points per game), assists (5.5 per game), and steals (1.8 per game). Arike Ogunbowale contributes 16 points and 4.2 assists per game. For the Fever, Mitchell is averaging 19.7 points, and Boston is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
In their last 10 games, the Wings have averaged 83.5 points, while allowing 89.5 points per game. The Fever have averaged 87.5 points and allowed 85.6 points per game in their last 10 games. The Wings have struggled with injuries to key players like Maddy Siegrist and Tyasha Harris, while the Fever will be without Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury.
Despite a recent loss, Dallas Wings' head coach Chris Koclanes appreciates the locker room's energy and defensive tenacity. Koclanes said that the team did a good job of disrupting the opponent early and being aggressive.
