A lot has happened in the past two months. But still, nothing could top this offseason’s chaotic movements. Remember when the dust finally settled on that four-team blockbuster trade between the Fever, Mercury, Sun, and Dallas Wings? Thirteen players and five draft picks had changed hands. The largest transaction in WNBA history. And that was just one piece of the puzzle. With the expansion draft and some surprise deals, another 12 starters landed on new squads. It was a full-blown remix of the league.

One of the biggest shakeups? Satou Sabally leaving D-Town for the Valley. The three-time All-Star forward and 2023 WNBA All-First Team selection packed her bags and joined forces with Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper to form the Phoenix Mercury’s brand-new ‘Big 3.’ She’s been having a great season so far. But not everyone’s thrilled for her, especially back in Dallas.

Now, it wasn’t a full-on boo-fest when Sabally was introduced at the College Park Center on Thursday night. But there were some boos, especially when she went to the free-throw line. You could tell the former Wings star heard every bit of it. “The city booed me so I’m moving on,” Sabally told reporters post-game. “I was happy to see everyone in the back and hug everyone. And I was actually really happy to come here. But then, I guess it’s also a sign of respect to be booed, so I’ll take that.”

Classy. But also, ouch. Now, this isn’t the first time Sabally has faced fans’ brutal reaction and has called it out.

A few years back, in a game vs. Lynx, with 25 seconds left, Sabally (wearing Wings) rolled her ankle after landing on Bridget Carleton’s foot- a flagrant foul that led to Carleton’s ejection. But what made things worse was that Lynx fans were seen cheering as Sabally lay on the floor in pain. Sabally blew a kiss to the crowd. “Disgusting fan base in Minny,” she posted later. But it was a totally different case this time.

This was the same city where she spent her first five WNBA seasons, finished fifth in MVP voting just last year, and made All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2023. Satou was literally the face of the franchise. But things change fast around here. And thankfully for Dallas, things are still very much looking up. With only eight players available, it was basically Wings rookies vs. the Mercury’s All-Star trio, and the rookies made sure everyone remembered their names.

Dallas led almost the entire game and walked away with a dominant 98-89 win over a 12-5 Phoenix squad. Still, no matter the big win and how the crowd reacted, Wings head coach Chris Koclanes and rookie sensation Paige Bueckers had nothing but love for Sabally. They weren’t with the team last season, but the respect was still very real. “She just has versatility to her game… She can shoot the three, she can shoot the mid-range,” Bueckers said of Sabally, appreciating the kind of player she is. 

Koclanes added, “Just incredible player, did a lot for this organization, for this city, for this team. Just a matchup nightmare… She’s one of the best, she’s one of the best in this league. Did a lot for this organization. I’m sure she will get a wonderful welcome back to Dallas.” Well, looks like she didn’t get quite that welcome.

But what the Wings crowd did get was a front-row seat to how much this new-look Wings squad is growing. Even in a matchup that looked lopsided on paper, the Wings showed a whole lot of heart. 

Dallas Wings makes WNBA history with rookie-heavy lineup 

The Dallas Wings didn’t just win on Thursday; they made WNBA history. For the first time since 2000, a team started four rookies in a game. Not because they wanted to, but because, honestly, they had no choice. The injury report was stacked, so Dallas turned to its youngest talent. Those rookies turned that setback into something iconic.

Facing off against the team with the second-best record in the league, Dallas didn’t flinch. In fact, they looked like the more polished squad all night. The Mercury, which usually holds teams to under 80 points per game, just couldn’t keep up with the pace or the energy. Aziaha James had a career night. The rookie guard dropped 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Paige Bueckers, fresh off her Rookie of the Month nod, added 23 points, four boards, and five dimes with her usual smooth efficiency. And JJ Quinerly came through with 17 of her own. That rookie guard trio absolutely tore Phoenix apart.

Head coach Chris Koclanes explained the game plan simply: play inside-out and take advantage of size. With Teaira McCowan, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Li Yueru rotating in, the Wings ran two-center lineups all game and threw different defensive looks at Phoenix’s star trio of Sabally, Thomas, and Copper. The result was a statement win.

Now, Dallas sits at 6-13, just three games out of the playoff picture after starting the season 1-11. Next up is a rematch in Phoenix on Monday. After this performance, the Wings have every reason to feel confident heading into enemy territory. Let’s see if they can win back-to-back.