Overview
- Dallas defeated Phoenix 85-70 in the Commissioner's Cup on Thursday, paced by Paige Bueckers' season-high 31 points on an ultra-efficient 14-of-20 shooting night.
- Bueckers briefly left with an ankle tweak in the second quarter, returned after getting taped, and described the roll as minor in postgame comments.
- Jessica Shepard posted a near triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while rookie Azzi Fudd added 17 points and playmaking that showcased their pre-existing chemistry.
- The Wings dominated inside and on turnovers, shooting about 52 percent as a team, scoring 50 points in the paint and forcing 16 Phoenix turnovers that broke the game open.
- Phoenix fell to 4-10 and coach Nate Tibbetts called the result a "step backward," while Dallas, now 8-4, heads to Portland on Saturday and will be watched for whether this surge continues after last season's 10-34 finish.