The highlight of the Dallas Wings’ massive 30-point lead against the Liberty wasn’t that they sent the visiting team spiraling, but the offensive chemistry they showed up with. Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers’ efficiency near confirmed that the team was ready to embrace its new identity. And for a better part against the Atlanta Dream, they did. But one crucial mistake in the final play cost them the game, and the Wings’ head coach was quick to point it out.

This game had Dallas Wings win written all over it for so many reasons. Rhyne Howard was still sidelined with injury, and Allisha Gray had one of her roughest shooting nights this season, going just 5-of-12 from the field. But perhaps the biggest reason of them all was Brittney Griner getting ejected after two technical fouls in the third quarter following a heated exchange with referee Angelica Suffren.

But the Dream still pulled off a win, all thanks to Naz Hillmon’s clutch three-pointer with just 2.6 seconds left on the clock. That shot, when the scorecard was reading 85-85, sealed the deal for Atlanta and crushed Dallas’ hopes of a comeback. In the postgame press conference, Coach Koclanes admitted it was a costly error to leave Hillmon that open, as highlighted in a tweet from Moreau Sports Media Prod Co.

“Loss of action up top challenges your communication with all the movement…little bit of slippage and a little bit of space is all she (Naz) needs,” said Koclanes. Once again, the Wings’ defense just wasn’t up to the mark. They allowed the Dream to shoot 52.4% from the field. On top of that, they also let Atlanta hit 11 three-pointers. Not the kind of numbers you want to see if you’re trying to close out games.

The lack of defensive communication between the Wings defenders was clear, and Naz Hillmon benefited from it immensely. The Sixth Woman of the Year frontrunner scored a career-high 21 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter itself, which all but guaranteed the Dallas loss tonight.

While the Wings still continue to search for consistency, Paige continues her good run of form.

Paige Bueckers continues to shine despite the Dallas Wings’ struggles

Bueckers wrapped up the night with 21 points and 7 assists. Sure, she wasn’t as efficient as usual, going 8-of-20 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, but that didn’t stop her from breaking even more records in the W. Paige Mania in Dallas? Still going strong with no signs of slowing down!

Paige just became the fastest player since 1997 to notch 400+ points and 100+ assists in a season. The last player to do it? The iconic Cynthia Cooper. Now, the two are tied for that record. But that’s not all! Paige also now holds the record for the most games by a rookie with 20+ points and 5+ assists in WNBA history. A true phenom!

It’s unfortunate that Paige hasn’t quite managed to translate her performances into wins for the Dallas Wings. But with all the issues they have faced this season, coming out with better chemistry and a foundation laid for future success will perhaps be the biggest win for Coach Koclanes. Will that be possible? Well, only time will tell!