Wings' Paige Bueckers Ignites Upset of Liberty as Chemistry On and Off the Court Lifts Dallas

The Dallas Wings delivered their biggest result of the season Monday night with a 92–82 upset over the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers led the charge with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. This was in a game that may signal a turning point for the struggling franchise.

Dallas entered the matchup with just seven wins in 26 games. But they played like a cohesive unit against one of the league's most dominant sides. The Wings' early 30-point lead stunned the Liberty, whose fourth-quarter rally was not enough to close the gap.

While Bueckers' individual performance stood out, the story extended beyond her stat line. A few of the highlights include the growing on-court chemistry with veteran Arike Ogunbowale and the quiet presence of long-time partner Azzi Fudd in the crowd.

Building Chemistry in the Backcourt

The backcourt tandem of Bueckers and Ogunbowale has become a focal point for the Wings. Ogunbowale also scored 20 points in the win, but it was their synchronicity that drew attention. Ogunbowale contributed a career-high 14 assists and became only the third WNBA player in history to notch a first-half double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.

According to The Dallas Morning News, the two guards have made a conscious effort to improve their communication. This is reportedly because they both recognised their leadership roles on a team in transition.

Wings head coach Chris Koclanes echoed the importance of this pairing. 'They're being extremely intentional', he told reporters, citing their shared focus on team success. 'They're all about the right things and they want the best for each other'.

Viral Highlight, But Eyes on the Bigger Picture

One moment in particular captured fan attention. This was a mid-range jumper from Bueckers that went viral on social media during the Wings' early run. The clip garnered thousands of shares and highlighted the rookie's confidence after a scheduled rest in the team's prior loss.

Yet for Bueckers, the bigger picture is about growth. In an interview with The Bleacher Report, she stated: 'I feel like I'm adjusting every single game... Every game is a new challenge to learn from'.

Despite her standout performances, the Wings remain in the lower tier of the standings. Still, Bueckers' consistency, averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game, is giving the team a foundation to build on.

Off-Court Support Adds to Wings' Momentum

While the arena spotlight was firmly on the court, fans also noticed Fudd, Bueckers' partner and former UConn teammate, attending the game quietly from a higher seat section. The couple's relationship was confirmed earlier this season and has drawn media interest since.

Fudd's low-key appearance was reported by Sports Illustrated. This marked another instance of her presence during major milestones in Bueckers' professional journey. The couple has remained visible, yet grounded, as Bueckers adapts to the demands of the WNBA.

While not part of the game plan, Fudd's support added a stabilising presence for a rookie navigating both the spotlight and the steep learning curve of professional basketball.

Looking Ahead

For a team that finished with just nine wins last season, Monday night's performance felt different. It was the Wings' eighth win of 2025 and came against a Liberty side that started the season 9–0. A Yahoo Sports report noted that Bueckers has now set a rookie guard record for most games with 20-plus points and two or more steals.

Despite the inconsistency that has marked their season, the Wings may have found something to build upon. These include the developing partnership between Bueckers and Ogunbowale, a roster of promising young talent, and a rookie leader still learning, but already leaving her mark.

As Dallas continues a four-game home stretch, Paige Bueckers and the team look to carry this momentum forward, both on the floor and behind the scenes.