DHJ Quick Take: Awak Kuier and Li Yueru Return To Practice For Wings
Awak Kuier and Li Yueru returned as full participants at Sunday’s practice, restoring the Dallas Wings’ frontcourt depth ahead of Tuesday’s rematch at the Minnesota Lynx.
- Who returned? Awak Kuier (right wrist) and Li Yueru (left ankle), along with Aziaha James, were full participants after sitting out or exiting Friday’s win over the Sparks.
- Why does it matter? The returns give Dallas more frontcourt bodies for Minnesota’s Natasha Howard during a stretch of five games in nine days.
- What’s next? Dallas visits the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. CT.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings got two frontcourt pieces back Sunday, with Awak Kuier and Li Yueru returning to full practice ahead of Tuesday’s road game against the Minnesota Lynx.
Kuier (right wrist) and Yueru (left ankle) were both inactive for Friday’s 104-96 win at the Los Angeles Sparks. They practiced Sunday fully, as did Aziaha James, who had exited the Sparks game with a fourth-quarter leg injury.
“Awak, Li, and [Aziaha] were full participants today in practice,” head coach Jose Fernandez said.
Awak Kuier And Li Yueru Back To Full Practice
Kuier practiced without the brace she had worn on her right wrist in Los Angeles, though she received treatment with a trainer after the team went through its offensive sets.
Guard Odyssey Sims, who suffered a left ankle injury Friday and was taken off the court in a wheelchair, did not practice and was a no-go as the team continues to evaluate her.
The returns restore size and depth for a Dallas frontcourt that pairs Kuier and Yueru behind Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith.
Kuier, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, rejoined the Wings this season after playing overseas and is averaging 6.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.9 minutes across eight games.
Yueru, a 6-foot-7 center, has averaged 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in six appearances, giving Dallas additional length off the bench.
Returns Add Depth Against Minnesota Lynx
The added bodies matter immediately. Dallas opens a stretch of five games in nine days at Minnesota, where forward Natasha Howard gave the Wings trouble in the first meeting.
“We just have to throw bodies at her. We have to make sure we tag her, and when the shot goes up, we have to put a body on her,” Fernandez said.
The Wings, 7-3 and winners of four straight, visit the Lynx on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. CT.
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- ‘She Was Aggressive’: Aziaha James Scores Season-High 18 Points In Dallas Wings’ Rout Of Seattle Storm
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