Paige Bueckers led the Dallas Wings to a 94-88 victory over the struggling Toronto Tempo by scoring all 22 of her points in the second half. Bueckers had a remarkable third quarter, shooting a perfect 4 of 4 from the field and free-throw line after a scoreless first half. The win snapped the Wings’ three-game losing streak.
Arike Ogunbowale contributed 21 points, setting season highs in free throws with a 13-of-14 performance, while Alanna Smith posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Awak Kuier also chipped in with 14 points.
Dallas played without key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd, who were sidelined due to injuries. Marina Mabrey put up a strong performance for the Tempo, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter as they tried to mount a comeback from an 18-point deficit.
Bueckers showcased her all-around game with eight assists and three steals, including a crucial steal that led to a breakaway layup extending the lead to 10 points. Despite Toronto’s late push to narrow the gap to four points, Bueckers’ clutch shooting and playmaking secured the victory for the Wings.
In the absence of key starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand, Laura Juskaite scored 18 points and Kia Nurse added 16 for the Toronto Tempo.
The game highlighted Bueckers’ stellar second-half performance, where she shot 7 of 11 from the field and made all seven of her free throws, guiding the Wings to a hard-fought win over the struggling Tempo.