Paige Bueckers showcased a remarkable performance by scoring all 22 of her points in the second half, leading the Dallas Wings to a 94-88 victory over Toronto on Wednesday. The Toronto Tempo suffered their 10th straight loss in this match.
Bueckers displayed an impressive turnaround by going 4 for 4 from both the field and the free-throw line in the third quarter, scoring 13 points after missing all seven of her shots in the first half. The Wings snapped a three-game losing streak, their longest of the season.
Arike Ogunbowale contributed 21 points, achieving season highs in free throws and attempts by making 13 of 14 shots, while Alanna Smith recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds. Awak Kuier also made a significant impact with 14 points.
Due to injuries, Dallas played without All-Star Jessica Shepard and rookie Azzi Fudd, the first overall draft pick. Shepard sustained an ankle injury in the previous game against Minnesota, and Fudd has been sidelined for three games due to a knee injury.
Marina Mabrey displayed a strong performance for Toronto, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Tempo narrow the gap to three points after trailing by 18 in the third quarter.
Bueckers stood out with eight assists and three steals, one of which led to a crucial breakaway layup for a 10-point lead with 3:03 left on the clock. Bueckers’ efficient shooting in the second half, going 7 of 11 from the field and making all seven free throws, played a pivotal role in the Wings’ victory.
The Tempo made a late push, cutting the deficit to four points in the final minute, but Bueckers’ jumper extended the lead to six before Isabelle Harrison was called for a charge.
Laura Juskaite contributed 18 points, and Kia Nurse added 16 for Toronto, who were without starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand in this game.