‘I’ve Really Been Enjoying My Time Here’: Grace Berger Grateful for Rest-of-Season Contract With Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have finalized a rest-of-season contract for guard Grace Berger ahead of Tuesday’s nationally televised matchup on ESPN against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, solidifying her place in the team’s backcourt rotation.
For Berger, the signing closes out a whirlwind summer of temporary deals, lineup adjustments, and constant preparation. She first joined the Wings in late July on a series of seven-day contracts, fought for playing time, and now earns a commitment through the end of the season.
“I mean, I was hoping it would happen, but you never know — obviously in the WNBA, nothing’s promised,” Berger said. “So I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and I’m grateful that they are taking a chance on me and believe in me enough to sign me for the rest of the season.”
Berger learned the deal was official following Dallas’ most recent game. She credits her ability to blend seamlessly with the Wings’ style — particularly alongside Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale — as a key factor in sticking with the team.
“They’re just really good, obviously, at scoring the ball, so they want to play fast,” Berger said. “I want to just play off instincts, work the ball around, and pass up a good shot for a great shot. That’s kind of what my game is naturally, so I think it’s been an easy fit.”
Film Study, Defensive Focus Key for Grace Berger
Coming off her first career start, Berger has leaned heavily on film study to accelerate her adjustment, both to sharpen her defensive positioning and to better understand the Wings’ offensive sets. She’s averaged 2.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.0 minutes per game with Dallas.
She noted that being familiar with where Bueckers and Ogunbowale thrive on the floor helps her create opportunities for them while conserving their energy. The Wings have deployed Berger as an initiator to take pressure off of Bueckers and put her in more favorable positions to attack.
“She’s just such a great scorer, so you have to be creative with how you get her the ball,” Berger said of Bueckers. “A lot of that is off-ball actions — you don’t really want to waste her energy just being pressured full court and bringing the ball up. It’s about putting her in positions to be successful.”
With Dallas looking to snap a losing streak, Berger said the team’s priority has been locking in defensively.
“We know we haven’t been shooting the ball great, but you can’t necessarily control that night in and night out,” she said. “Defensively has been our focus — really nailing down what our schemes are, who we want to be, and what our identity is.”
Familiar Faces, New Role with Dallas Wings
One constant for Berger has been her connection with assistant coach Jhared Simpson, whom she previously worked with in Indiana.
“I think I have a trust in him and his ability to make me a better basketball player and make me confident going into games,” she said. “He’s been a great resource and a great ear to pick whenever I need advice or need to get in the gym.”
Berger’s return to Indiana marks her fourth game against her former team this season. While she expects family in attendance, she’s keeping the focus on execution and continuing to grow more comfortable in Dallas’ system.
“The more you play, obviously, the more comfortable you get,” Berger said. “The more I see myself on film and the more I get to play with these guys, the better I’ll be.”
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- WNBA News: Paige Bueckers, Myisha Hines-Allen to Play vs. Indiana Fever; Arike Ogunbowale’s Status Uncertain
- WNBA News: Grace Berger Lands Rest-of-Season Contract With Dallas Wings Before Indiana Fever Matchup
- WNBA News: “Put Action Behind Our Words”: Paige Bueckers Urges Dallas Wings to Turn Talk Into Results After Fifth Straight Loss
- WNBA News: “Adrenaline Is a Hell of a Drug”: Paige Bueckers Managing Back Injury as Dallas Wings Share Status vs. Indiana Fever
- WNBA News: “Our Intensity Has to Stay the Same”: Dallas Wings’ Strong Start Fades in Loss to Washington Mystics
- WNBA News: “Paige Will Be a Unifier”: Curt Miller Details Dallas Wings’ Roster Plan Around Paige Bueckers
