“Missed opportunity”—those are the words that will echo in the minds of the Wings’ coaching staff and players after their narrow loss. Despite a shaky start in the first quarter, they responded with resilience, winning both the second and third quarters to bring the game to a deadlock with just under five minutes remaining. But, as has been the trend this season, the Wings faltered in the closing stretch, unable to execute in crunch time.

Still, there were several bright spots. Paige Bueckers continued her stellar rookie campaign, crossing the 20-point mark for the fourth time in five games. She finished with 27 points, six assists, two steals, and one rebound, putting herself in the record books as the first player in WNBA history to record a game with at least 25 points, five assists, two steals, two blocks, and zero turnovers. Azaiha James contributed 14 points off the bench, while Arike Ogunbowale added 15 in a solid but unspectacular outing.

In spite of the loss, the Wings have been playing some of their best basketball recently, picking up notable wins over Connecticut, Atlanta, and the expansion Valkyries. They’ll look to regain that momentum in their upcoming matchup against the Washington Mystics, a team they know well and just narrowly lost to in overtime. However, depth concerns remain. The absence of key contributors like DiJonai Carrington and Maddy Siegrist was felt against the Fever. As they prepare to face the Mystics again, one big question remains—will the Wings have reinforcements available this time around? That answer could be the key to breaking their late-game curse and getting back in the win column.

Injury Report: Dallas Wings vs Washington Mystics

Dallas Wings 

The Wings are dealing with a long injury list and several player absences due to personal reasons. Maddy Siegrist is out with a right knee injury, along with the Eurobasket absences of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder, leaving the Wings without key players in their rotation. Di Jonai Carrington is also likely out for their upcoming game with her rib injury. Tyasha Harris remains out with her knee injury.

Washington Mystics

For the Mystics, Brittney Sykes is listed as day-to-day with a lower leg injury, while Jade Melbourne is also considered day-to-day. Emily Engstler is out due to personal reasons, and Georgia Amoore remains sidelined with a torn ACL.

Predicted Line Ups: Dallas Wings vs Washington Mystics

Dallas Wings – Arike Ogunbowale, Kaila Charles, Paige Bueckers, NaLyssa Smith, Li Yueru

Washington Mystics – Sug Sutton, Aaliyah Edwards, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin

Match Preview: Dallas Wings vs Washington Mystics

The Wings have won three of their last five games, signaling an upward trend despite their recent loss to the Fever. Just days ago, they faced the Mystics in Washington, D.C., in a thrilling contest that went to overtime. Although Dallas clawed back from a 16-point first-quarter deficit to lead at halftime, it was the Mystics who ultimately secured the 91 to 88 victory. Rookie guard Sonia Citron starred for Washington with a season-high 27 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with just 12.2 seconds remaining in overtime. The game was a showcase of grit and resilience from both teams, trading blows throughout the second half in what could be a preview of a compelling rivalry. Despite falling short, Dallas showed flashes of high-level execution and toughness that they can build on moving forward.

All eyes will once again be on the two standout rookies, Citron and Paige Bueckers, who are both frontrunners in the Rookie of the Year race. Bueckers currently leads with averages of 18.4 points and 5.8 assists per game, while Citron is close behind with 14.4 points and 2.1 assists. Citron, along with fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen, has become a vital part of the Mystics’ young core. Iriafen has recorded double-digit points and at least seven rebounds in each of her last three games, including a 19-point, 9-rebound performance in the recent win over Dallas. Their chemistry and poise under pressure have made Washington’s rookie class one of the most impressive in recent memory.

Defensively, the Wings must find a way to contain this impressive rookie tandem. On offense, Bueckers needs more support. Arike Ogunbowale has struggled to deliver consistent performances, and with DiJonai Carrington and Maddy Siegrist sidelined, the offensive burden has only grown. For Dallas to start converting close games into wins, the veteran guard will have to step up. Head coach Chris Koclanes has adjustments to make, particularly in tightening up early-game execution and generating more reliable scoring options when Bueckers is keyed in on by opposing defenses.