The Dallas Wings entered the season with momentum. A rebuilt roster, a new head coach in Chris Koclanes, and the No. 1 overall draft pick. But the team that looked strong on paper quickly faltered. They fell to a league-worst 2–11 record. While rookie Paige Bueckers has performed well, the Wings now face another challenge: locker room turmoil.

Tensions surfaced during the tipoff against the Las Vegas Aces. It happened when Koclanes refused to use a coach’s challenge despite guard DiJonai Carrington’s plea. He later admitted the mistake as the Wings blew an 11-point lead and lost 88–84.

The moment appeared to reflect deeper issues, especially with GM Curt Miller seen yelling from the stands. Fans and media have begun to question whether Koclanes is losing control of the locker room. Even after an 80–71 win over the Golden State Valkyries, internal tensions continue to shadow the team.

National reporter for Meadowlark Media, Lucy Rhoden, joined Ros Gold-Onwude and Logan Hackett on The Good Follow podcast. That’s where Lucy was quick to warn Paige Bueckers & Co. “I think Dallas needs a lot. Maybe a prayer,” the reporter stated. As the clipped Wings keep falling further, can divine intervention be the only saving grace? And as the roster seems to have lost faith in HC Koclanes, should he be replaced with assistant coach, Nola Henry?

 “I don’t even know at this point. I’m always affirmed that in any sport you’ve got to give a little bit of time,” Lucy said. “Because things are going to, like, if you’re bringing in a new coach, if you’re bringing in new players, if you’re starting a new system: there needs to be an adjustment period. However, the Wings were so bad that I’m like, “I don’t even know if I believe this anymore.”“”

Rhoden answered Hackett’s question regarding Koclanes’ replacement and emphasized that the fans and other reporters were too quick to jump to conclusions and lose trust in the new coach. But with 11 losses in 13 games so far, the Dallas Wings have been suffering. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team has cohesive issues that go beyond the hardwood.

 Having said that, the reporter even refuted her principles and assessed the team’s performance as the worst in the league. While it is easy to pinpoint the head coach for the misery that befell the roster, Rhoden hinted at the worst. “I do think the locker room has been lost,” Lucy said. “You have one win on the season, and you’ve got the number one overall pick who has lived up to expectations.”

Meanwhile, Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers duo delivered a jaw-dropping performance with a combined score of 39 points against the Valkyries. Bueckers alone added 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists to secure an 80–71 win. Moreover, Kaila Charles made 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Also, NaLyssa Smith contributed a maximum of 10 rebounds to the roster.

Despite reporters like Joey Mistretta hinting at lost faith in the head coach, is the team truly crumbling or just facing misunderstandings? With Bueckers dropping 35 points and the offense showing signs of improvement, it may be too early to judge. For now, things look promising as the Wings head to Mohegan Sun Arena for Game 2 against the Connecticut Sun.

Chris Koclanes praised the hardship contract signee

“She was who she was on the floor,” Dallas Wings HC Chris Koclanes said. “You see, she’s versatile. She was guarding force, she was guarding point guard. She guarded everybody. Then her tenacity to the boards- getting us extra possessions all the time. So, that effort and energy is just contagious.” After grabbing a second victory this season, Chris Koclanes praised Kaila Charles for her professionalism and overall performance against the Golden State Valkyries.

A little backstory: Charles was waived by the team on June 14, 2025, after being signed under a hardship contract within a couple of days. “Just an incredible response to be able to you know live through the last 72 hours that she did and to be able to come out here and still have the impact that she had,” Koclanes said. “That’s she’s the ultimate pro, right, to be able to show up and do that.” He emphasised how the athlete did not let the waive-off impact her loyalty or gameplay.

Despite averaging 4.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists for the roster, Charles managed a whopping 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals against the Valkyries. She showed her true caliber despite everything that went down between her and the Wings. Moreover, Charles displayed her professional work ethic on the hardwood and won the hearts of her teammates.

Now, as the team progresses towards the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, the Wings rely heavily on rookie Paige Bueckers. She and Arike Ogunbowale propel the Wings to fly higher in the Western Conference division standings. With other players like DiJonai Carrington, Myisha Hines-Allen, and now, Kaila Charles delivering charged performances, can they become a threat to the Sun in game two? It will be exciting to watch who the game ultimately favors.