Aziaha James Scores Career-High 28, Paige Bueckers Adds 23 as Wings Upset Mercury Trastitulares
The Dallas Wings delivered a stunning upset victory over the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, securing a 98-89 win thanks in large part to a career-high performance by rookie Aziaha James. No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers also contributed 23 points, but it was James who truly shone, leading the charge with 28 points, five 3-pointers, six rebounds, and six assists.
James, Dallas’ second first-round selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft, ignited the game with a scorching 20-point first half, 13 of those points falling in the second quarter. This incredible display earned her a place among an elite group – joining Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi – as just the fifth rookie in WNBA history to reach 25 or more points, grab five or more rebounds, dish out five or more assists, and hit at least five 3-pointers in a single game.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” James said after the game. “To contribute so much to a win, especially with some of our key players out, it’s just incredible.”
Alongside James’ standout performance, JJ Quinerly added 17 points, and Luisa Geiselsoder contributed four points, providing a crucial combined 72 points from the Wings’ rookies.
The Wings capitalized on the absences of Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb), DiJonai Carrington (rib), and Myisha Hines-Allen (limited to 17 minutes and five points due to an ankle issue). They surged to a dominant 32-20 first quarter lead and maintained a commanding 61-43 advantage at halftime.
Phoenix fought back in the third quarter, closing the gap with a Kahleah Copper 3-pointer followed by a basket from Alyssa Thomas, but Dallas rebuilt their lead, ultimately securing the victory with an 82-71 lead entering the fourth.
Phoenix was spearheaded by Copper’s impressive 33 points, shooting 10-for-17 from the floor (including 4-of-7 on 3s). Satou Sabally, who played her first five WNBA seasons with the Mercury, scored 20 in her first game against her former team. Sabally was traded to the Mercury as part of a three-team deal after informing Dallas that she wanted to play elsewhere.
With the win, the Wings improved to 6-13 for the season, snapping a seven-game losing streak and winning five of their last seven games. The Mercury, meanwhile, dropped to 12-6, losing their second consecutive game after a six-game winning streak and now hold third place in the WNBA standings, a half-game behind the New York Liberty.
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