Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Minnesota Lynx in the first quarter at Target Center on September 01, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Wings 96-71. Getty
DALLAS, TEXAS – AUGUST 01: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings prepares for a free-throw against the Indiana Fever during the second half at American Airlines Center on August 1, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) Getty
It was an overall frustrating night for the Dallas Wings after having a 20-point lead with 3:11 to go in the third quarter against the Washington Mystics and blowing it.
The Mystics went on a 40-16 run the rest of the game after that to take a 96-92 win over the Wings. Washington starter Shakira Austin led the way with 27 points in the game.
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For Dallas, Jessica Shepard led with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Wings star Paige Bueckers had 17 points in 37 minutes, but scored only 2 in the final quarter. This led to some tough questions for Wings head coach Jose Fernandez after the game about Bueckers.
Dallas Wings Coach Takes on Paige Bueckers Question
Paige Bueckers
GettyPaige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Minnesota Lynx in the first quarter at Target Center on September 01, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Wings 96-71.
After the game, a reporter asked Fernandez about Bueckers’ minutes and being worried about overplaying her with the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup starting next month. The Wings head coach did not understand the question at first.
“I don’t know. Sonia played 36:32. Shakira played 36:07.”
The reporter once again clarified that Bueckers would be playing in the World Cup and some WNBA teams are reducing minutes for those going. Fernandez would not change his stance on it.
“Berlin’s at the end of the month. September 1st.”
Before answering the next question, Fernandez had the final word on the subject.
“Does he know that Paige is going to Berlin yet?”
While it was not confirmed at the time, the announcement came Thursday morning that Bueckers would be on Team USA for the World Cup. The World Cup takes place from September 4 through September 13.
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That is a trend among WNBA teams right now, with players going to the World Cup. They have slowly started reducing minutes for those players.
Paige Bueckers’ Minutes May Not Be Touched With Wings for Now
Paige Bueckers
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – AUGUST 01: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings prepares for a free-throw against the Indiana Fever during the second half at American Airlines Center on August 1, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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It appears as though Fernandez wants to keep playing his star player for more minutes. With the latest announcement, it could change things for the Wings moving forward.
Bueckers is currently averaging 33.5 minutes per game this season. She is also averaging 20.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per contest in 29 appearances.
The loss to the Mystics was a tough one, dropping the Wings to 19-12 on the season. They have now fallen behind the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever in the standings.
After losing four of the last six games, the Wings now have an uphill battle on their hands. Their next game is on Friday, when they will take on the Golden State Valkyries. Another loss could put the Wings in danger of making any kind of run in the playoffs.
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