WNBA Showdown: Mercury Triumph Over Wings Despite Bueckers' 35-Point Surge

The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Dallas Wings 93‑80 on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Despite an electrifying career-high 35‑point performance by rookie Paige Bueckers, the Wings couldn’t overcome Phoenix’s balanced attack led by Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. Here’s an in-depth recap of the contest, plus key takeaways and context.

Game Recap: High Drama in Phoenix

The Dallas Wings traveled to Phoenix to face off in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash. The match featured standout performances on both sides:

• Paige Bueckers (DAL): Returned from a four-game absence due to concussion protocol and illness, exploding for 35 points, with six rebounds and four assists on 13-for-19 shooting (5‑for‑7 from deep). She became only the fourth rookie in Wings history to score 30-plus in a game.

• Satou Sabally (PHX): Delivered a 20‑10 double‑double, showcasing why Phoenix traded for her .

• Alyssa Thomas (PHX): In her return from injury, she posted 11 points and 10 assists in only 24 minutes .

• Phoenix's bench also chipped in: Kitija Laksa tallied 14 points, while Lexi Held also hit double digits.

Final Score: Mercury 93, Wings 80.

Quarter‑by‑Quarter Breakdown

The Mercury edged Dallas in every quarter, pulling ahead early and steadily widening the gap.

Storylines from the Court

1. Bueckers’ All‑Star Debut Fall‑Short

Paige’s dominant outing returned attention to Dallas’s future. She scored 22 points in the first half alone and drilled five 3‑pointers—but without strong support, her effort wasn’t enough.

2. Mercury’s Depth and Resilience

Phoenix’s effort was balanced: Sabally’s double‑digit night, Thomas’s midfield orchestration, and bench contributions meant they outscored Dallas in every frame.

3. Social Media Backlash

Mercury guard Kahleah Copper criticized the WNBA for excluding Phoenix highlights from a league recap clip. She tweeted:

“When we won the game but don’t have a single highlight in the 2:24 recap video from the WNBA… So we put together some Mercury highlights…”.

Her feedback points to a push for better league-wide recognition of team efforts.

What It Means for the Teams

Phoenix Mercury (7–4):

• Win improves their record and marks 3–2 in Cup play .

• Thomas and Sabally’s synergy highlights why offseason trades have been fruitful.

Dallas Wings (1–10 away):

• Despite Bueckers’ breakout, Dallas is still in need of supporting performances—rest of the roster shot just 33% from the field.

• With no Sabally and other key injuries, they remain in rebuilding mode.

Three Takeaways from Phoenix

1. Balanced Scoring Wins Games

   • Five Phoenix players scored in double figures, showcasing the depth of their upper and lower rotations .

2. Return of Veteran Leadership

   • Alyssa Thomas made her mark immediately with a double-double, energizing fans and teammates.

3. Sabally’s Return Validated

   • Against her old team, Sabally posted 20–10 and showed why Phoenix pursued her actively.

Top Performers Breakdown

• Paige Bueckers (DAL):

  • 35 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST on 13‑19 FG and 5‑7 3PT; 37 minutes.

• Satou Sabally (PHX):

  • 20 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST on 7‑15 FG.

• Alyssa Thomas (PHX):

  • 11 PTS, 10 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK on 5‑10 FG.

• Kitija Laksa (PHX):

  • 14 PTS off the bench, including four 3‑pointers.

• DiJonai Carrington (DAL):

  • 11 PTS, 8 REB for the Wings.

What Comes Next?

Phoenix Mercury

• Improve to 3–2 in Commissioner's Cup.

• Build on their chemistry heading into regular-season stretch.

• Address highlight coverage: Copper’s critique might push better media presence.

Dallas Wings

• Need stronger bench and roster-wide production.

• Continue rallying around Bueckers’ arrival.

• Address injury gap (Satou Sabally remains sidelined).

Three Game Impact Points

1. Paige Bueckers solidified her superstar status with rookie-record scoring for the Wings, but needs a stronger surrounding cast.

2. Phoenix’s depth, featuring Sabally, Thomas, and Laksa, proved decisive—outscoring Dallas each quarter.

3. Social media spotlight: Kahleah Copper and the Mercury’s public call-out may change how the league promotes team play.

Final Thoughts

The Wings vs Mercury clash was a microcosm of modern WNBA dynamics: individual star power meets team depth. Dallas is fast becoming a marquee destination with Bueckers, but until their roster thickens, Phoenix’s ensemble approach is more sustainable—especially in high-stakes, competitive games. Copper’s challenge to the league shows media representation matters too: playoff‑caliber basketball deserves attention as a team sport, not just flashy individual highlights.

Expect both sides to refine their narratives moving forward—Dallas in development, and Phoenix cementing themselves as a West contender with a deep, disciplined core and growing media presence.