“It was just discipline down the stretch.” This is what Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes, expected ahead of the tipoff against the Las Vegas Aces. Needless to say, Paige Bueckers & Co. delivered to the best of their abilities. They put their best foot forward on the Michelob Ultra Arena and shocked the opponents. Despite finishing with a close 88-84 on the scoreboard, the team added yet another loss to the belt. So much for a disciplined approach.

While Koclanes took the blame for the team’s recent performance, he also suggested a light at the end of the tunnel. “

The offence- the ball is moving better. Shifting sides of the floor, creating separation, and higher quality,” are some of the areas that the team has drastically improved upon. And amidst being blamed for not utilizing the Arike Ogunbowlae and Paige Bueckers duo on the hardwood often, this match was different.

One interviewer in particular raised concerns over free throws during the final quarter. But as Arike began to speak, all it took was one glance at the HC. “I don’t know, I feel like a lot of things were being…,”Arike began during the post-game interview. “I don’t want to say nothing crazy to get me fined but it’s definitely unfortunate.”

The Aces racked up 26 free-throw attempts, 10 of which fueled a 17‑2 run in the last four minutes, while the Wings struggled to get calls, a sore spot in a game that slipped away.

Well, Arike wanted to address her mental state during that point in the game. However, she came back to her senses in an instant and changed the answer.

This isn’t new in the WNBA, players like DiJonai Carrington have called out inconsistent officiating this season, like her comments after a heated Chicago Sky game, making Arike’s caution understandable

Despite averaging 26 points and 8 assists against the Aces as Bueckers added 16 points and 5 assists, something from Arike’s end did not feel right. This leads us to question whether the internal locker room dynamic crumbling? Or does she fear that exposing the true nature of the HC, will cause trouble to the athlete’s future, simply because Koclanes shares good relations with GM Curt Miller? Whatever may be the reason, Ogunbowale’s body language suggested deep-rooted issues.

“I mean, what was it like 26 to something?” Ogunbowale stuttered. “Yeah that’s kind of unacceptable. I know some were fouls but I can’t say all of them were fouls. Can’t say all of them were fouls but definitely unfortunate.” She struggled to keep a straight face and looked down as she spoke. The ambiguous answer and her nervous laughter are a glaring testament. This incident takes us back to Joey Mistretta’s interview of the athlete.

Mistretta had asked Ogunbowale regarding her thoughts on the new head coach. But instead of a direct reply, the guard just beat around the bush, talking about the collective team and the overall responsibility to play better in the upcoming games. On the other hand, she went on to elaborately praise the assistant coach, Nola Henry. During the same interview. So, are you thinking what I’ve been thinking too? Or need I say more?

While the five-feet eight guard found her rhythm, thanks to Bueckers’ successful return, can she bolster the team towards clinching one win? While Koclanes had a “

one game at a time” approach, can the Wings use it to climb out of their misery? That remains to be seen. But with Bueckers marking her return to the hardwood, grabbing a victory should no longer be a gnawing nightmare for the locker room.

The rookie creates another career-high to her cap

Paige Bueckers entered the PHX Arena with a bang! She stepped up from her banal role as a guard and took the reins of the Dallas Wings. What’s next? She rallied the team on her shoulders with 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. She stood next to Caitlin Clark as the fourth rookie in the WNBA’s history to record 30+ points in a game.

But are these the only accolades? Wait till you hear the rest. Paige’s significant score broke the record for being the first rookie of the season to score that many points this season. Whereas the guard is now the third athlete to carve 35 points within just 10 games. Despite being sidelined under a concussion protocol, Bueckers’ immaculate performance against the Phoenix Mercury cements her as a future star of the league.

And while we were only exposed to Bueckers’ flashes in the pros, her comeback performance was a reminder of the leader’s UConn days, where she graduated with an NCAA national championship. No wonder she became the No.1 overall draft pick for the pros this year! She used her voice and dictated the gameplay from across the paint. And though she described the leadership role as challenging, Bueckers would like to continue to lead with example instead.

And as the last standing team in the Western Conference looks to face the newly expanded team on the blocked, will their developed offences and a disciplined strategy work in the Wings’ favor? While chances look bleak for Paige Bueckers’ & Co., the team is heavily relying on the guard and her collegiate experience to save them from another blinding defeat.