Satou Sabally led the Phoenix Mercury to a 93-80 victory over the Dallas Wings with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Alyssa Thomas made a strong return with a double-double performance. Despite a remarkable effort from rookie Paige Bueckers, who scored 35 points and hit five three-pointers in her return after missing games due to injury, the Wings couldn’t secure the win. Bueckers’ exceptional performance included a career-high 22 points in the first half, showcasing her talent as the No 1 pick in this year’s draft. However, she expressed a desire to improve further, highlighting areas where she believes she can contribute more.

The game saw the Mercury gradually extend their lead, with Sabally’s three-pointer late in the third quarter proving crucial. The Wings struggled to close the gap in the final minutes. Notably, Bueckers’ presence on the court significantly impacted the team’s scoring average, with the Wings performing better offensively when she was in the lineup.

The intense matchup also featured a post-game confrontation between the two teams, underscoring the competitive nature of the game. Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings’ leading scorer, faced challenges in scoring as she went 2-of-10 from the field, contributing to the team’s loss. With the Mercury holding a 3-2 record in Commissioner’s Cup play and the Wings at 0-4, both teams will look to make adjustments and bounce back in their upcoming games.