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Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings fell to 1-8 on the season after a 93-79 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.
Coach Chris Koclanes took responsibility for the team’s rough start, admitting that he’s been struggling with managing lineups and finding a consistent rotation.
“Wings HC Chris Koclanes said he and his coaching staff have done a "poor" job of organizing rotations and gameplans to begin the 2025 season,” Joey Mistretta wrote on X (formerly called Twitter).
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Koclanes echoed a similar sentiment after the Wings' previous defeat, acknowledging that he was in the midst of the most challenging period of his stint as a first-time coach.
"Just leaning on my support system," Koclanes said. "Leaning on that GM bucket, our coaching staff and my mentors to just trust and stay the course and continue to do the work.
"I need to show up consistent every single day regardless of outcome for our players and continue to exude belief and confidence in them, because that's the only way this thing is going to turn."
Paige Bueckers missed her third straight game due to concussion, allowing DiJonai Carrington to step into the starting lineup. Carrington led the Wings with a team-high 16 points in her expanded role.
The bench also provided solid contributions, with Luisa Geiselsoder recording a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds), JJ Quinerly adding 14 points and Kaila Charles chipping in with 10.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Wings couldn’t snap their three-game losing skid. The Sparks were backed by dominant performances from Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby, combining for 41 points and 10 rebounds.
Paige Bueckers interacted with Kelsey Plum postgame
Although Paige Bueckers wasn’t in the lineup for Friday’s matchup between the Dallas Wings and the LA Sparks, she supported the team from the bench.
After the final buzzer, Bueckers had a brief exchange with the Sparks' Kelsey Plum. Plum seemed to be taken aback by the rookie, revealing that Bueckers was talking trash.
“Rookies talking s**t is crazy. Rookies are built different here,” Plum said.
Plum got the last laugh, though, finishing with 11 points and nine assists. With the Wings and Sparks set to meet next on Aug. 15, Bueckers will look to back up her words on the court.
