Paige Bueckers Ruled Out Late Against Connecticut Sun, Grace Berger Starts for Dallas Wings

Grant AfsethAugust 27, 2025August 27, 2025no comment

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings, WNBA, Washington Mystics

Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

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.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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Paige Bueckers Ruled Out Late Against Connecticut Sun, Grace Berger Starts for Dallas Wings