Paige Bueckers showcased a remarkable performance in the second half, scoring all 22 of her points to lead the Dallas Wings to a 94-88 victory over the struggling Toronto Tempo, who suffered their 10th consecutive loss.
Struggling in the first half, Bueckers turned the game around in the third quarter, going perfect from both the field and the free-throw line with 13 points. Arike Ogunbowale contributed 21 points, setting season highs in free throws and attempts by going 13 of 14, while Alanna Smith recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds. Awak Kuier also made an impact with 14 points.
Dallas played without key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd, with Shepard nursing an ankle injury from the previous game and Fudd sidelined for the third game due to a knee injury.
Marina Mabrey led the Tempo’s comeback attempt with 23 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter when the team closed within three points after trailing by 18.
Bueckers’ stellar performance continued with eight assists and three steals, including a crucial steal leading to a breakaway layup that extended the Wings’ lead to 10 points late in the game. Despite the Tempo reducing the deficit to four points in the final minute, Bueckers’ clutch jumper widened the lead to six before a charge was called on Isabelle Harrison.
Bueckers’ second-half dominance was evident as she shot 7 of 11 from the field and made all seven of her free throws. Laura Juskaite contributed 18 points, and Kia Nurse added 16 for Toronto, who was missing key starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand.