“Extremely Cautious”: Chris Koclanes Shares Injury Updates on Paige Bueckers, DiJonai Carrington

One day after Paige Bueckers played nearly 37 minutes, scoring 27 points with six assists in a 94–86 loss to the Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center, she was ruled out against the Washington Mystics due to a right knee injury.

Wings head coach Chris Koclanes emphasized the team is being “extremely cautious” as the reasoning for Buckers not playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

“We’re just being extremely cautious and trusting our medical team,” Koclanes said. “But [I’m] encouraged that she’ll be back out on the floor sooner than you think.”

Bueckers is averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season. She recently became the fastest player in league history to reach 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists to begin a career.

DiJonai Carrington remains out after suffering a rib injury during last week’s win in Connecticut. Her injury occurred late in the June 20 game against the Sun when she stepped in to draw a charge and took a hard hit to the chest.

“It was in that Connecticut game, late in that game,” Koclanes said. “We turned it over, and then she stepped in to draw a charge—took a big hit right to the chest. But she’s improving daily.”

Carrington has now missed four consecutive games. This season, she is averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Koclanes did not provide a return date but said the team continues monitoring her closely.

The Wings are without Tyasha Harris, who is out for the season due to a left knee injury. In her absence, rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James have stepped into expanded roles. Koclanes said he’s been encouraged by their growth and praised their effort.

Quinerly made her first career start Saturday night against Washington, while James has continued to provide a scoring spark off the bench.

“The more and more they get on the floor together, the more comfortable they get,” Koclanes said. “We were excited when we drafted them, and rookie seasons are up and down, but [I’m] just continuing to be really encouraged and excited with that draft class and their growth opportunities and their ceiling.”

Koclanes also confirmed that Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan, who are competing internationally at EuroBasket, are expected to rejoin the team for the Wings’ upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury.

“They should be back for our Phoenix game,” Koclanes said.

Dallas entered Saturday’s game against the Mystics with a 4–13 record.

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