DHJ Quick Take: Aziaha James Starts for Wings With Paige Bueckers Out
Aziaha James moves into the Dallas Wings’ starting lineup at the Portland Fire on Saturday with Paige Bueckers (right ankle) out.
- What’s the move? James starts in place of the injured Bueckers, joining Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and Jessica Shepard in the lineup.
- What does she bring? Defensive energy and pace; she averages 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, with 1.1 steals.
- Why does it matter? With Bueckers and Odyssey Sims out, Dallas leans on James’ two-way activity in a larger role.
- What’s next? Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CT on KFAA.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Aziaha James will start for the Dallas Wings when they visit the Portland Fire on Saturday, stepping into the lineup with Paige Bueckers sidelined by a right ankle injury.
James joins Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and Jessica Shepard in the starting five, the only change from the group that started Thursday’s win, with James in for Bueckers.
The second-year guard has been one of the team’s most reliable bench sparks this season, and she moves into the starting five at a time when Dallas is shorthanded in the backcourt.
Aziaha James’ Two-Way Spark
Aziaha James is averaging 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with 1.1 steals in 12.2 minutes across 12 games. Her value has shown up most on the defensive end, where she pressures the ball, plays with pace, and generates extra possessions.
She put that on display in Thursday’s 85-70 win over the Phoenix Mercury, finishing with 7 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals off the bench. In the fourth quarter, she converted an and-one and then dove on the floor for a loose ball to find Jessica Shepard for a layup.
Fudd said before the game that James can carry her bench energy into the starting role.
“Aziaha has been playing great all season,” Fudd said. “The way she can come in and be a spark off the bench and make an impact immediately, whether that’s getting buckets or getting stops. She’s such an aggressive and quick defender, and I feel like that’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough.”
Wings coach Jose Fernandez and Bueckers both pointed to that activity after the Phoenix win.
“Her hands are active, and she plays with a lot of energy,” Fernandez said. “Even when she’s not scoring, she affects the game because of her activity and effort.”
Bueckers said James set the defensive tone off the bench against the Mercury.
“She was diving on loose balls, crashing the boards, and being aggressive on both ends,” Bueckers said. “That’s the spark she provides off the bench.”
A Bigger Role for the Shorthanded Dallas Wings
With Paige Bueckers, the team’s leading scorer, and Odyssey Sims (left ankle) both out, Dallas leans on Aziaha James’ two-way activity in a larger role. The Wings (8-4) enter the night with a thinned backcourt against a Portland team that defends with full-court pressure.
The Fire (6-8) have lost four straight but play with the kind of energy and pressure that make ball security a priority, and James’ defense and pace fit what Dallas wants in this matchup.
The Wings tip off at the Fire on Saturday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. CT on KFAA, with the game streaming on WNBA League Pass.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘Staying Together’: How The Dallas Wings Plan To Adapt Without Paige Bueckers vs. Portland Fire
- Paige Bueckers Climbs To No. 2 In WNBA MVP Odds After Season-High 31 vs. Phoenix Mercury
- Dallas Wings Rule Out Paige Bueckers Against Portland Fire Out Of ‘Caution’
- Paige Bueckers Questionable For Dallas Wings At Portland; Odyssey Sims Remains Out
- ‘One Of The Best In The World’: Paige Bueckers Erupts For Season-High 31 To Lead Dallas Wings’ Response vs. Phoenix Mercury
- ‘Feels Good To Be Back Out There’: JJ Quinerly Makes Long-Awaited Return For Dallas Wings
