Bueckers scores 25, exits as Wings beat Sparks for record sixth straight
Paige Bueckers left late after a collision with Nneka Ogwumike, while Dallas held on to beat Los Angeles 90-82.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Paige Bueckers poured in 25 points, then had to leave the floor late after a collision in the Dallas Wings’ 90-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, according to ESPN News Services.
The victory stretched Dallas’ winning run to six games, which ESPN reported is a franchise record. The Wings improved to 17-8, while Los Angeles fell to 10-15 with its fourth straight defeat, all of them away from home.
Bueckers had already done plenty of damage before the scare. She hit a 3-pointer with 9:12 left to finish a 14-5 Dallas burst, pushing the Wings’ lead to eight in the fourth quarter.
The tense moment came with about 3½ minutes remaining and Dallas ahead by four. ESPN reported that Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was fouled while running up the court and, as she went down, collided with Bueckers.
Both players stayed on the court for a couple of minutes after the contact, according to ESPN. Ogwumike remained in the game. Bueckers, who ESPN said appeared to hit the back of her head on the floor, walked to the locker room and did not return.
Dallas coach Jose Fernandez said after the game that he did not have an update on Bueckers, ESPN reported.
Arike Ogunbowale helped make sure the Wings finished the job. She scored 20 points, including six late, as Dallas kept Los Angeles at arm’s length after Bueckers’ exit.
Jessica Shepard filled the stat sheet for the Wings with 11 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Azzi Fudd also scored 11 for Dallas.
Ogwumike led a balanced Los Angeles effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 7-for-12 from the field. Dearica Hamby added 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Cameron Brink scored 10, and Erica Wheeler had nine points with 10 assists.
The result gave Dallas another win over Los Angeles this season. The Wings also beat the Sparks 104-96 in Los Angeles on June 5, according to ESPN.
Dallas gets a quick turnaround next. ESPN reported the Wings are scheduled to host the New York Liberty on Monday in a postponed game that had originally been set for Thursday.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to ESPN’s account of the game.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.