In a standout performance on Saturday night, JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James each scored a season-high 15 points, leading the Dallas Wings to a 79-71 victory over the Washington Mystics. This marked Quinerly’s first start in the WNBA, underscoring her potential as a valuable asset for the team.
In the wake of her impressive rookie performance, the Wings were without fellow newcomer Paige Bueckers, who sat out due to a right knee issue. Bueckers had scored 27 points and provided six assists just a day earlier in a previous game against the Indiana Fever, showcasing her significant impact on the team.
The Wings surged ahead early, establishing a commanding 28-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks to an efficient shooting performance of 61.1% (11 of 18). They maintained a strong position at halftime with a 45-31 lead, which was their largest for the season.
The Mystics attempted a comeback, starting the third quarter with a 12-point scoring streak to narrow the gap to 45-43, but the Wings quickly regained their momentum. An 8-0 run in the third period, punctuated by Kaila Charles’ three-point play and James’ subsequent three-pointer, helped Dallas extend its advantage to 62-51. The Wings sealed their victory with a strong beginning to the fourth quarter, boosting their lead to 15 points.
Notably, Dallas outperformed Washington in bench scoring, racking up 36 points from reserves, a significant factor in the team’s success. Alongside Quinerly and James, Arike Ogunbowale contributed 14 points, while Myisha Hines-Allen added valuable support with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
For Washington, Sonia Citron was a standout with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Shakira Austin added 18 points to her name. Brittney Sykes returned to the starting lineup but managed just six points in 26 minutes of play.
This victory offers a hopeful glimpse into the Wings’ potential as they develop their young talent, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. As they continue to grow, fans can look forward to more exciting performances in upcoming matchups.