The Dallas Wings, after a challenging 0-4 start to the 2025 WNBA season, finally secured their first victory, defeating the previously winless Connecticut Sun 109-87 on May 27. The win was particularly significant as it marked a triumphant return to Connecticut for star rookie Paige Bueckers, who delivered a career-best performance in the state where she built her collegiate legacy at UConn. The game, played at Mohegan Sun Arena, showcased the Wings' most cohesive and balanced performance of the season, offering a glimmer of hope for turning their campaign around under new general manager Curt Miller and first-year head coach Chris Koclanes.

Paige Bueckers was instrumental in the victory, scoring a WNBA career-high 21 points on an incredibly efficient 8-of-10 shooting (8-of-9 from inside the arc). She also contributed significantly across the board with 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in 35 minutes. This performance also saw Bueckers make WNBA history, becoming the fastest player to reach 60 points and 30 assists in her first five games, surpassing Suzie McConnell Serio. Furthermore, she became the first rookie to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 80% or better in a game. Bueckers attributed her success to "taking what the defense was giving me," and praised her teammates for "setting screens, getting me open, creating rhythm and flow, and letting me get to my spots."

Reflecting on the win, Bueckers emphasized the team's collective effort. "I think I'll remember the most, probably like 26 assists on 37 shots," she stated. "And how we played together as a team, how unselfish we were. And how much we looked like a team, and that reflected in the numbers." This sentiment was echoed by the team's statistics, as the Wings achieved season highs with 56.1% shooting from the field, 50% from three-point range, 86.2% from the free-throw line, 26 assists, and 10 steals, along with a +8 rebounding margin.

The victory was indeed a comprehensive team effort, with 11 different players scoring and five reaching double figures. Arike Ogunbowale added 19 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and tied her career-high with 6 steals. DiJonai Carrington scored 16 points, Maddy Siegrist contributed 12 points, and Kaila Charles added 10. The bench also made a significant impact, contributing 43 points, including career highs for JJ Quinerly (5 points) and Aziaha James (9 points). Coach Koclanes praised this balance, saying, "I just thought everybody contributed. And that's what we're after is a balance of where everyone is hunting offense and making simple plays."

Several players reached significant milestones during the game. Arike Ogunbowale passed A’ja Wilson for the second-most points through 200 career games (4,083), trailing only Breanna Stewart. Myisha Hines-Allen grabbed her 1,000th career rebound. Defensively, Teaira McCowan and Hines-Allen were crucial in holding the Sun to 20% shooting in the fourth quarter, with McCowan also noted for her consistent impact off the bench.

The game held a special homecoming atmosphere. Bueckers, who maintained her unbeaten streak at Mohegan Sun Arena throughout her collegiate and professional career, was cheered on by former UConn teammates and fans. She shared a lighthearted moment with former UConn teammate Olivia Nelson-Ododa, now with the Sun. Other players like DiJonai Carrington and Tyasha Harris, both former Sun players, received tribute videos. Harris unfortunately exited the game in the first half with a left knee injury. The interconnectedness of players extended beyond Bueckers, with several players from both teams reuniting with former college or WNBA teammates.

Coach Koclanes expressed relief for his team, stating, "It’s frustrating when you’re doing a lot of good things but can’t get over the hump. Now we can put that behind us and continue to focus on the big picture of what we’re trying to do." Maddy Siegrist, speaking about playing alongside Bueckers after competing against her in college, said, "It's definitely better playing with her than it is against her… she's just such a great teammate and not only is she a great basketball player, but the way she, like, really makes her teammates around her better."

Despite the early season struggles, Bueckers had been a consistent performer, leading the Wings in scoring (13.0 points pre-game), assists (6.3), and steals (1.8) in her first four WNBA games, also becoming the fastest rookie since Sue Bird to reach 50 points and 25 assists. The commanding win in Connecticut provides the Wings with much-needed momentum as they look to build on this performance. Their road trip continues with a matchup against the Chicago Sky, who are also seeking their first win of the season.