The Dallas Wings were expected to have Paige Bueckers back in uniform on Wednesday night. Instead, the rookie guard was ruled out only minutes before tipoff against the Connecticut Sun at College Park Center.
Bueckers, who missed Tuesday’s practice with an illness, was initially upgraded to available. She went through the team’s morning shootaround, participated in her full pregame workout, and even spoke to reporters before the game.
Head coach Chris Koclanes echoed that optimism pregame.
“She’s good, she’s ready to go,” Koclanes said. “Just a little sick, like everybody else, but she’s gonna tough it out and play.”
But in a surprising turn, the Wings announced just before tipoff that Bueckers had been downgraded to out due to illness. Grace Berger was elevated into the starting lineup.
Injury-Depleted Dallas Wings Face More Adversity
The Wings (9-29) have dealt with a season-long barrage of injuries. Tyasha Harris underwent knee surgery after five games and was ruled out for the year, JJ Quinerly suffered an ACL sprain and is also done for the season, and Arike Ogunbowale remains sidelined with knee tendonitis. Midseason trade addition Li Yueru was also declared out for the year due to an ACL sprain.
Myisha Hines-Allen, who missed Tuesday’s practice for personal reasons, said the group has had to keep finding ways to adapt.
“This is the first year I’ve dealt with so many injuries during the season,” Hines-Allen said. “Everyone’s bodies are tired across the league, not just us. It’s part of the game, but somebody always steps up. Nobody feels sorry for us, so it’s about who puts on the jersey and gives energy, whether on the court or the bench.”
Hardship Additions Provide Support
Dallas has turned to hardship contracts to fill out the rotation. Serena Sundell, a two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection at Kansas State, joined the team this week.
“I just want to come in with a great attitude and be that player that’s going to fill the gaps of whatever’s asked from me,” Sundell told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Amy Okonkwo has also been an early contributor, averaging 10.0 points across her first two games.
With Bueckers sidelined, the Wings will look to Berger and the rest of their patchwork backcourt to provide stability against a Connecticut squad led by Eastern Conference Player of the Week Tina Charles.
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- WNBA News: Paige Bueckers’ Injury Status Uncertain as Dallas Wings Face Connecticut Sun After Sitting Out Practice
- WNBA News: “She Looks Very Composed”: Dallas Wings Encouraged by Serena Sundell’s First Practice Before Connecticut Sun Game
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Sign Serena Sundell to Hardship Contract Following JJ Quinerly Injury
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Focused on ‘Next Progression’ After Golden State Valkyries’ Aggressive Coverages Against Paige Bueckers
- WNBA News: “Our Locker Room Is Still Together”: Dallas Wings Push Through One of WNBA’s Most Injury-Ridden Seasons
- WNBA News: “She’s a Bucket”: Amy Okonkwo Quickly Making Impact for Dallas Wings on Hardship Contract
- WNBA News: “How Many Times Does She Have to Be on the Ground?”: Chris Koclanes Calls Out Officiating of Paige Bueckers After Loss vs. Golden State Valkyries
- WNBA News: “Can’t Keep Getting in a Hole”: Dallas Wings Fall to Golden State Valkyries Despite Balanced Effort, Paige Bueckers’ Streak Ends
- WNBA News: “Paige Will Be a Unifier”: Curt Miller Details Dallas Wings’ Roster Plan Around Paige Bueckers
