Paige Bueckers Clears Concussion Protocol, Could Return as Dallas Wings Host Unbeaten Minnesota Lynx
The Dallas Wings are likely to welcome a key piece of their backcourt back to the floor Sunday as they host the undefeated Minnesota Lynx in Commissioner’s Cup play at College Park Center.
Paige Bueckers has cleared concussion protocol after missing the Wings’ last three games and is listed as probable (illness) for Sunday’s matchup. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT, with the game airing locally on KFAA29 and streaming on WNBA League Pass.
Bueckers’ potential return comes at a critical juncture for a Dallas team that has struggled to maintain offensive flow and close games without a true point guard. Tyasha Harris remains out with a left knee injury, and Teaira McCowan (national team obligation) is unavailable as she prepares for the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket.
Bueckers spent most of Thursday’s practice session on the exercise bike during the media viewing period, but later joined the team on the floor for post-practice shooting drills. She remained on the court afterward to get in additional shots. She was dressed in practice gear during Friday’s shootaround before the Wings’ 93-79 home loss to the Los Angeles Sparks and watched the game from the bench.
Harris, meanwhile, remained on the training table during Thursday’s practice and was not dressed in practice gear during shootaround.
Point Guard Void Erased by Paige Bueckers’ Return
The Wings (1-8) are coming off their fourth consecutive loss after being defeated by the Sparks. That game marked the third straight outing in which Dallas had to operate without both Bueckers and Harris, relying on a combination of DiJonai Carrington, JJ Quinerly ,and Myisha Hines-Allen to initiate offense.
“They exposed us more than anyone has these past three games for not having a point guard. That was very evident tonight,” head coach Chris Koclanes said following Friday’s loss. “We turned it over; they disrupted us a ton.”
Dallas committed 15 turnovers against the Sparks, which led to 21 points for Los Angeles. The coaching staff is hopeful that Bueckers’ return can help stabilize the offense and improve late-game execution, an area that has repeatedly plagued the team during its current skid.
“We’re right there,” Arike Ogunbowale said earlier this week. “It’s not like we’re getting blown out. It’s just little things we need to fix — taking good shots, getting back on defense, playing smart.”
Luisa Geiselsöder Building Momentum
Despite the loss to the Sparks, the Wings saw encouraging progress from rookie center Luisa Geiselsöder, who posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while adding a team-high six assists.
“She’s a smart piece that is a connector on both sides of the floor,” Koclanes said. “We need more ball movers like that.”
Geiselsöder is expected to start again Sunday before departing June 14 to join Germany’s national team for EuroBasket play. With McCowan already away for Turkey, Geiselsöder’s minutes will remain crucial in anchoring the Wings’ frontcourt.
Minnesota Lynx Looking to Stay Unbeaten
Minnesota (8-0) enters Sunday’s matchup as one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the WNBA alongside the New York Liberty. The Lynx most recently defeated the Phoenix Mercury 88-65, led by an 18-point, 11-rebound performance from Napheesa Collier.
The Lynx have already defeated Dallas twice this season — 99-84 on May 16 in Arlington and 85-81 on May 21 in Minnesota, though both games were competitive into the fourth quarter. Ogunbowale has led the Wings in scoring in both contests, averaging 18.5 points per game against Minnesota.
“We competed with Minnesota the whole way,” Kaila Charles said. “I feel like we can just lock in and do our job.”
More Dallas Wings & WNBA Articles
- “We Will Turn the Tide”: Dallas Wings Fall to Los Angeles Sparks as Turnovers, Runs Prove Costly
- Dallas Wings Seek Defensive Breakthrough, Closing Resolve vs. Los Angeles Sparks Amid Point Guard Void
- Dallas Wings Confirm When Teaira McCowan, Luisa Geiselsöder Will Leave for EuroBasket
- “Everyone’s Job Gets Bigger”: Dallas Wings Reshape Approach as Paige Bueckers Enters Concussion Protocol
- “We’re Still Learning”: Arike Ogunbowale on Adjusting to New-Look Dallas Wings, Chemistry with Paige Bueckers [Exclusive]
