In Arlington, Texas, JJ Quinerly made a remarkable debut in her first WNBA start, scoring a season-high 15 points. Alongside fellow rookie Aziaha James, who also contributed 15 points, Quinerly helped propel the Dallas Wings to a 79-71 victory over the Washington Mystics on Saturday night.
Although Dallas’ rookie Paige Bueckers was absent due to a right knee issue, having previously delivered an impressive performance with 27 points and six assists in the Wings’ recent game against the Indiana Fever, the team managed to excel without her. Specifics regarding Bueckers’ condition were not disclosed.
The Wings started strong, racing to a commanding 28-9 lead against Washington by the close of the first quarter after shooting 11 of 18 from the field. This energetic launch allowed them to secure a 45-31 lead at halftime, tying their largest halftime lead of the season.
Despite the Mystics’ determined effort to close the gap at the beginning of the third quarter, scoring 12 consecutive points to narrow the deficit to 45-43, Dallas managed to maintain its lead. The Wings regained momentum through an 8-0 run, initiated by Kaila Charles’ three-point play and capped off by a James’ 3-pointer, establishing a 62-51 advantage. Dallas maintained control, extending their lead with seven uninterrupted points at the start of the fourth quarter.
Arike Ogunbowale added 14 points to the tally, while Myisha Hines-Allen contributed with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals for Dallas. The Wings showcased their depth by outscoring Washington 36-5 in bench points.
For Washington, Sonia Citron delivered impressive numbers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Shakira Austin contributed 18 points to the team’s effort. Brittney Sykes, returning to the starting lineup, played for 26 minutes, adding six points to the Mystics’ total.
This victory marks a noteworthy achievement for Dallas as they continue their season with hopes of building momentum from this win.