The Dallas Wings Take Flight (Sort Of): A Preseason Showdown
Okay, so the 2025 WNBA preseason wasn’t *just* another set of games. It was a huge deal, especially for the Dallas Wings. Think a coming-out party meets a major Notre Dame reunion – all on the court at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. Facing off against the Las Vegas Aces? It wasn’t just basketball; it felt like a celebration of everything awesome about women's hoops.
A Whole Lotta Irish Green
The energy? Electric. Muffet McGraw and Niele Ivey – coaching legends – were there. And then you had Arike Ogunbowale, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd – all Notre Dame grads and WNBA stars – making the arena practically glow with Fighting Irish green. Coach Ivey’s Instagram stories from the pregame? Pure hype.
Arike Ogunbowale, a Dallas Wing and Notre Dame legend herself, was back where she made history with those unforgettable buzzer-beaters. Jackie Young, now with the Aces, was on fire, leading all scorers with 28 points and 9 assists. And Jewell Loyd, in her first season with the Aces after a decade with Seattle, contributed 10 points – a solid debut.
Seriously, Jackie Young’s performance was incredible. 28 points? She completely controlled the court. It was a powerful reminder of Notre Dame's amazing basketball legacy and the impact of its coaching staff.
Paige Bueckers' WNBA Debut: First Game Jitters?
Everyone was watching Paige Bueckers, the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft. Her first WNBA game? A learning experience, for sure. The Wings lost big, but Paige showed flashes of that amazing potential we all know she has. She finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.
A decent showing, right? 10 points, good shooting (4-of-7 from the field, 2-of-3 from three). But, you know, playing against the Aces, and stars like A'ja Wilson (who scored 19 points), is a totally different ballgame. It was a reality check, for sure, about the speed and physicality of the WNBA compared to college.
Humble beginnings – that’s Paige. She’s focusing on improvement and team growth, not getting caught up in the hype. And that left-handed scoop layup over A’ja Wilson? Highlight reel worthy. She's already competing at the highest level. The Aces were dominant, though, making it clear how much Bueckers and the Wings have to learn.
The Wings: A Work in Progress
Let’s be honest: the Wings had a rough last season (9-31). They’re in major rebuild mode – new coach, mostly new players. The preseason game showed a team still finding itself, working on team chemistry.
A rebuilding year, that's for sure. But there were bright spots! Rookies like JJ Quinerly (who led the Wings in scoring with 16 points) and Aziaha James showed promise. This preseason is all about finding their rhythm and a game plan for the regular season. They’re going to need it.
Looking Ahead: A Reason for Hope?
So, the Dallas Wings lost their preseason opener, but it was a step forward. We saw established talent and exciting new players – a new era is definitely dawning. Paige’s debut, along with the other rookies’ contributions, is giving fans hope for the regular season. It’s a tough rebuild, but it’s setting the stage for future wins. The future looks bright, and they’re just getting started.
Also Read:
