The last time four rookies started a game in the WNBA was back in 2000. It was only the Minnesota Lynx’s second season, and they were still what many would call a baby franchise. While the Dallas Wings have been around for quite some time, there’s no doubt they’re currently in rebuilding mode. Add to that the multiple injuries and absences, and head coach Chris Koclanes had no choice but to repeat history, 25 years later.

Even without key players like Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington, a razor-thin roster of 8 players, and with 26-year-old Li Yueru as the most experienced starter, the Wings, against all odds, managed to pull off the unthinkable! They ended up beating the 12-win Phoenix Mercury at home. A game that showed that the Dallas Wings’ rookie class, led by Paige Bueckers, might be the best in business. “We’ve won a game without Paige. Now we’ve won a game without Arike [Ogunbowale],” Koclanes said post-game. “Everyone on that roster can contribute. That’s our competitive depth, and everyone is going to continue to buy into that.”

Heading into the game against former Wing Satou Sabally and her Phoenix Mercury, the 6,162 fans at College Park Center just wanted one thing! To watch Dallas win. The energy in the arena was off the charts. Each time Sabally got her hands on the ball, you could hear the fans collectively boo her. That fiery atmosphere set the perfect stage for the Wings to take control of the game from the get-go. After Sabally knocked down two free throws to kick things off, Dallas went on a 19-5 tear over the next four minutes. The best part? Every single bucket during that run came from the rookies.

Naturally, after a performance like that, Coach Koclanes will be hoping for more of the same. But it won’t be easy. Why? It’s the Mercury on the road this time! The Mercury have lost their last two games and will be itching to get back to winning ways. Coach Koclanes, however, is pretty hopeful that his side’s recent form isn’t just a one-off thing.

“Not surprised… they have the ultimate belief in themselves and in each other. So, was more happy than anything… and hope that it gives us even more confidence that, you know, that wasn’t a fluke, this is sustainable,” said Koclanes as his side gears up to face Phoenix once more.

Paige Bueckers, JJ Quinerly, and Aziaha James delivered an absolute clinic as they combined for 68 points, 11 rebounds, and 18 assists in their 98-89 win over the Mercury. To put it in context, that’s 69% of the team’s total points. James had 20 of her 28 points in the first half alone on 7-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range, and a career-high in assists (5) in just two quarters. “Tonight was definitely the rooks’ night,” James said, and rightfully so.

Now, having won 5 of their 7 games despite having so many key players out injured does show that this is far from a fluke. The Wings are finding their rhythm, and everything seems to be falling into place. And let’s be honest, how can you doubt a team that has Paige Bueckers casually dropping 151 points in her last 7 games. She’s the fastest guard to hit 250 career points since 2006, and remember her 35-piece earlier this season? That was the highest by any rookie so far. And just to keep things spicy, she’s sitting in the WNBA’s top 10 for points, assists, and steals.

But the Wings will have to be wary about one thing. Their away record. Paige Bueckers and Co. have struggled away from home all season – managing just 2 wins in 9 attempts. That record shows they haven’t quite figured out how to handle hostile environments. Will that trend continue?

Massive injury concerns for Paige Bueckers and co ahead of the game against Mercury

The last time these two teams met at the College Park Center, Paige Bueckers was making her return from a knee injury that had kept her out of the win against the Mystics. Her comeback was a major boost for the Wings. Yet, when it comes to injuries overall, the Wings just can’t catch a break!

Arike Ogunbowale has replaced Paige on the injury list. She joined the likes of DiJonai Carrington, Maddy Seigrist, and Tyasha Harris. And now, there’s more bad news for Wings fans. WNBA insider Joey Mistretta shared an unfortunate update: “Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington did not practice today,” he reported.

Carrington, last season’s Most Improved Player, is still dealing with a rib injury that has already kept her out for five games. As for Arike, she’s now expected to miss her second straight game due to a lingering thumb issue. What do you make of Coach Koclanes’ recent comments? Can the Wings pull off another win against the Mercury despite these absences? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!