Dallas Wings Remain Without Paige Bueckers, Tyasha Harris Against Seattle Storm
The Dallas Wings will remain without guards Paige Bueckers and Tyasha Harris when they take on the Seattle Storm Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena. Both players have been ruled out and did not travel with the team.
Bueckers is in concussion protocol following last Thursday’s loss to the Chicago Sky. Harris continues to recover from a left knee injury. Tuesday’s matchup, which marks the Wings’ Commissioner’s Cup opener, will be nationally televised on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. CT.
The shorthanded Wings fell to 1–6 after Saturday’s 94–83 home loss to Chicago, a game in which Dallas committed 14 turnovers that led to 19 points for the Sky. The team attempted only 15 three-pointers and continues to search for offensive balance without its top playmaker.
“We want to shoot threes,” head coach Chris Koclanes said. “It’s just finding that balance. We were aggressive to the rim, got to the line 30 times. I liked our paint aggression, but now we’ve got to start seeing the kicks and one-mores.”
DiJonai Carrington, who assumed more ball-handling duties in their absence, recorded 16 points and a team-high six assists while helping anchor the perimeter defense. She acknowledged the need for more consistency in transition defense and decision-making.
“I have to set the tone on the defensive side of the ball,” Carrington said. “That starts with applying pressure early… but I also need to be more disciplined to put us in better positions behind the ball and avoid so much rotation.”
NaLyssa Smith led Dallas in scoring against Chicago with 20 points, matching her career high with three blocks and drawing 10 free-throw attempts — another season best.
“I think it was just about being aggressive and just getting back to playing how I know how to play,” Smith said. “I drew a lot of fouls. I shot 10 free throws, so I feel like that tells the story on its own.”
While the Wings held edges in paint scoring, fast-break points, and blocks, the offensive gaps created by Bueckers’ and Harris’ absences continue to challenge the rotation. Rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James each provided sparks off the bench, and teammates have praised their energy and readiness.
Teaira McCowan emphasized the need for active movement around Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt while Bueckers is out.
“When Paige is out, it’s just about moving with purpose and letting Arike do what she does,” McCowan told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She’s going to draw attention, so we’ve got to stay ready. Be active, crash, space — it all matters more.”
Koclanes added that cohesion remains the central focus for the group moving forward.
“We’re just preaching that we stick together,” he said. “Keep learning, keep building, and keep trusting each other.”
Dallas and Seattle last met on May 19, with the Storm earning a 79–71 road win. Bueckers led the Wings in scoring in that contest. Her continued absence — along with Harris’ — leaves Dallas again searching for answers as they open Cup play on Tuesday.
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