Paige Bueckers returned from a one-game absence for rest to lead the Dallas Wings against the New York Liberty on Monday. Wings coach Chris Koclanes kept Bueckers out of the front end of a back-to-back set, forcing her to miss Sunday’s 106-80 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. With the All-Star point guard on the roster again, the Wings hoped to beat the defending champs.Bueckers and sharpshooting guard Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings to a sizzling start. They combined for 18 points, five rebounds and five assists to give the home team a 31-19 advantage after one quarter.The No. 1 pick of the 2025 WNBA draft led the Wings to an 8-0 run to open the second quarter. Bueckers scored two points and handed an assist, helping push her team's lead to 39-19. The hot start from the hosts forced Liberty coach Sandy Brondello to a timeout two minutes into the period.Paige Bueckers finished the second frame with four points and two assists. With her on the floor, Dallas outscored New York by 27 points, the best among Wings starters. The home team secured a 63-36 halftime lead behind the stellar play of All-Star point guard and Arike Ogunbowale.Bueckers opened the third quarter with a 27-footer, then stole a Sabrina Ionescu pass. Two plays later, the rookie set up Ogunbowale for a jumper that pushed the Wings' lead to 70-40. Bueckers played well, but the Liberty won the quarter 26-22 and trailed 85-62 entering the fourth quarter.The Liberty started the fourth frame with a punishing 20-3 run. Dallas did not score until Paige Bueckers hit two free throws with 1:06 left. The Wings struggled in the last 10 minutes but defended their home court with a 92-82 win.PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLKTOFG3-PT FGFT+/-Paige Bueckers20643017-122-44-4+10Paige Bueckers' Dallas Wings draw first blood against New York LibertyPaige Bueckers' Dallas Wings will face the New York Liberty two more times in the next 10 days. They took advantage of Breanna Stewart's absence due to a leg injury to draw first blood against the defending champs. Dallas pulled off the upset on Monday by dominating the first half 63-36 before holding on for the win.Stewart's return is not set yet, making her questionable for the rematch a week later. The Wings could try to pull off another upset at home if the two-time MVP continues to ride the bench.The third and final meeting between the two teams will be on Aug. 10 in Brooklyn. Whether Stewart plays or not, the Liberty will look to get some payback on their home floor.