Paige Bueckers leads the way with 19 points in victory over Los Angeles Sparks
Category: Sports
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Wings defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 97-77 on Thursday night, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Paige Bueckers scored 19 points, and Jessica Shepard recorded her fifth triple-double of the season, contributing 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists. Both teams returned to action following a break for the FIBA World Cup in Germany, where Bueckers played a key role in leading the United States to the championship title.
This win ties the Wings’ franchise record for most wins in a season, matching the total set by the 2003 WNBA champion Detroit Shock, who finished that season with a 25-9 record. With three games left in the regular season, the Wings are in a strong position as they aim for a playoff berth.
Shepard's performance puts her third on the all-time list for triple-doubles in a single season in WNBA history, trailing only Alyssa Thomas, who achieved six in 2023 and eight in 2025. Maddy Siegrist added 12 points, and Arike Ogunbowale contributed 11 for Dallas, with Kitija Laksa and Aziaha James each scoring 10 points off the bench. The Wings showcased their dominance on the boards, finishing with a 46-27 rebounding advantage.
Haley Jones, a forward/guard for the Wings, recently had her contract converted from a Developmental Player agreement to a Standard Player Contract on September 17, 2026. Jones initially signed with the Wings on June 21, 2026, after being waived by the Portland Fire. This move comes at a strategic time as the Wings gear up for the playoffs, with every seed still up for grabs and only four games remaining in the regular season.
Jones has appeared in three games for Dallas this season, averaging 1.3 points per game on an impressive 50% shooting from the field. The Wings waived guard Sug Sutton on September 16, 2026, due to a season-ending injury, creating an opportunity for Jones to solidify her position on the roster. Previously, Jones had joined the Wings on a hardship contract in June 2025 and signed a rest-of-season deal in July 2025. Last season, she played in 24 games, achieving career-best averages of 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.
The WNBA resumed play after a 16-day pause for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, and the playoff race is heating up. The Wings are among several teams vying for a favorable playoff position as they approach the end of a competitive regular season.
Following their victory over the Sparks, the Wings look ahead to their next matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday. With their current record standing at 25-16, the Wings are focused on clinching their 25th win of the season, which would cement their status as a formidable contender in the playoffs.
The Sparks, currently at 12-26, will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night in an effort to regain momentum. As the regular season winds down, the playoff picture remains wide open, with eight teams set to qualify. The upcoming games will be decisive for teams jockeying for position.
With the playoffs on the horizon, every game carries weight, and the Wings are determined to capitalize on their recent success as they strive for a strong postseason run. The implications of their performances in these final games could set the tone for their playoff aspirations.