Overview
- Bueckers scored a season‑high 31 points in Dallas’ 85‑70 win over Phoenix on Thursday, June 11, but she turned her right ankle late in the second quarter and required brief treatment.
- Coach Jose Fernandez ruled Bueckers day‑to‑day and elected to hold her out of the next game as a precaution, saying the move was aimed at protecting her career and availability.
- Without Bueckers, the Wings fell 84‑83 at Portland on Saturday, June 13, with Azzi Fudd scoring 18 points and Arike Ogunbowale leading Dallas with 22.
- Jessica Shepard’s all‑around play has been a steady support for the Wings; she posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in the Phoenix win and took on increased playmaking in Bueckers’ absence.
- Dallas sits 8‑5 after the Portland loss and faces a compressed schedule and Commissioner's Cup obligations that make load management a recurring challenge for a team that rebounded quickly from a 10‑34 2025 season.