🏀 Aziaha James Wings Breakout Performance Sparks Dallas Upset Over Mercury
In one of the most thrilling WNBA rookie performances of the season, Aziaha James led the Dallas Wings to a 98-89 upset over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. This win marks a significant moment for the Wings, who started four rookies due to key injuries.
🌟 Aziaha James Scores Career-High 28 Points
Aziaha James delivered a career-best 28 points, shooting 5-of-9 from deep, while adding 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Her explosive second quarter, where she dropped 13 points, helped the Wings build a massive halftime lead.
The former NC State star joins elite company—Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Diana Taurasi—as just the fifth rookie in WNBA history to post:
- 25+ points
- 5+ rebounds
- 5+ assists
- 5+ three-pointers in a single game.
🧊 Paige Bueckers Adds 23, Rookie Class Shines
While James led the charge, No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers was not far behind, scoring 23 points in the victory. She continues to look poised as a franchise cornerstone.
The Wings’ rookie core combined for 72 of Dallas’ 98 total points, with:
- JJ Quinerly contributing 17 points
- Luisa Geiselsoder chipping in 4 points
🚨 Wings Overcome Injuries to Secure Win
Dallas was without star guard Arike Ogunbowale (thumb) and DiJonai Carrington (rib), while Myisha Hines-Allen played limited minutes with an ankle issue. Despite the short-handed roster, the Wings jumped out to a 32-20 lead in the first quarter and led 61-43 at halftime.
Phoenix surged in the third, cutting the deficit to four points, but Dallas rebuilt the lead and never looked back.
🔥 Mercury’s Kahleah Copper Scores 33 in Loss
Despite the loss, Kahleah Copper put on a show for Phoenix with 33 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Former Wings forward Satou Sabally returned to face her old team for the first time and added 20 points for the Mercury, who have now lost two straight games after a six-game winning streak.
📈 Dallas Wings Mid-Season Turnaround
With this win, the Wings improve to 6-13, now winners of five of their last seven games after a seven-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Phoenix drops to 12-6, falling to third in the WNBA standings, just behind the New York Liberty.
🧠 Key Takeaways from the Aziaha James Wings Breakout Game
- Aziaha James delivered one of the best rookie performances of 2025.
- Paige Bueckers continues to prove she belongs in elite company.
- Dallas’ rookie class may be one of the best in recent WNBA memory.
- The Wings are trending upward, even amid injuries.
🔚 Conclusion: Aziaha James Wings Breakout Ignites New Hope in Dallas
The Aziaha James Wings performance against the Phoenix Mercury wasn’t just a breakout game — it was a statement. With 28 points and all-around dominance, James showed she belongs among the WNBA’s rising stars. Backed by fellow rookies like Paige Bueckers and JJ Quinerly, Dallas proved it can compete with elite teams, even when key veterans are sidelined.
As the Wings ride momentum into the second half of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. If James and this rookie core continue to grow, Dallas may soon become one of the most dangerous and exciting teams in the league.
