Paige Bueckers scored a season-high 31 points to lead Dallas past Phoenix 85-70 in Thursday's Mercury vs Wings matchup.
The Commissioner's Cup clash provided Dallas the chance to reset after Tuesday's 100-76 result in Minnesota — a loss that snapped the Wings' four-game winning streak.
However, Dallas learned from its mistakes against the Mercury.
Paige Bueckers Overcomes Injury Scare in Mercury vs Wings Clash
Bueckers opened the scoring and set the pace from there.
She put up 13 in the second quarter alone despite getting into foul trouble. She then briefly hit the locker room after turning her ankle on a defensive rebound. After missing roughly 30 seconds, she scored on the next two possessions, finishing 14-of-19 from the field and 3-of-4 from three.
"Adrenaline is the best drug, so I didn’t really feel it during the game," Bueckers after her injury scare. "I just wanted to power through and help the team get a win."
Wings Defense Stifles Mercury as Monique Akoa Makani Struggles
After giving up 100 points against Minnesota, the Wings made defense a priority.
They held Phoenix to 39% shooting and forced 16 turnovers. Only Lexi Held (17 points) and Kahleah Copper (13 points) reached the double-digits.
Guard Monique Akoa Makani was limited to just six points on the night for the Mercury — with four of those coming from the free-throw line.
No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd anchored the defensive effort, adding three blocks alongside 17 points. The Wings' win pushes them to 3-1 in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup standings.
Where to Watch WNBA Commissioner's Cup Games This Weekend
The Wings next head to Portland to face the Fire on Saturday at 8:30 PM ET, before Phoenix hosts the LA Sparks at 10 PM ET. Both matchups air live on WNBA League Pass.
