Grant Afseth
@grantafseth.bsky.social
Dallas-based reporter covering the NBA & WNBA. Dallas: DallasHoopsJournal.com. National: RG.org, BallisLife.com
With D'Angelo Russell out, the Dallas Mavericks are starting Cooper Flagg at point guard vs. the Utah Jazz. Jason Kidd: “Anyone can bring it. You’ll see that tonight with the lineup change.” Read more:
Dallas Mavericks To Experiment With Cooper Flagg At Point Guard In Preseason Game vs. Utah Jazz
With D’Angelo Russell out, Cooper Flagg will start at point guard for the Mavericks in Monday’s preseason game against the Jazz.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Mavericks fell 120–116 to the Hornets, undone by 16 Charlotte threes. Jason Kidd on Charlotte: “They’re like Boston — they’re trying to shoot a lot of threes. You’ve got to be able to rebound the ball.” Read more:
“It’s About Being Disciplined”: Dallas Mavericks Struggle To Contain Charlotte Hornets’ Shooting In Loss
The Charlotte Hornets hit 16 three-pointers and outrebounded the Dallas Mavericks to win 120–116 as Cooper Flagg impressed in his AAC debut.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Dallas Mavericks guard Danté Exum remains out with knee irritation. Jason Kidd explained that the team is taking a "long-term approach" to Exum's recovery and "he's going to be out for a little bit." Read more:
Dallas Mavericks Taking 'Long-Term Approach' With Danté Exum's Knee Injury
Against the Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks guard Danté Exum will remain sidelined due to a knee injury that has kept him out.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Seven years after interning with the Dallas Wings, Amy Okonkwo is available to play for the franchise on Friday vs. the Seattle Storm. Okonkwo: “It’s amazing being able to play here in Dallas… I’m really grateful for the opportunity.” Read more:
"It's Amazing Being Back": Once an Intern, Amy Okonkwo is Set for Dallas Wings Debut Against Seattle Storm
Amy Okonkwo’s journey comes full circle as she makes her Dallas Wings debut after interning with the team in 2018.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings will be without JJ Quinerly on Friday vs. the Seattle Storm as she continues to be evaluated for a left knee injury. The Wings are set to reach 100 player games lost due to injury and national team obligations by end of week. Read more:
JJ Quinerly Ruled Out Friday Against Seattle Storm as Dallas Wings’ Injury Toll Nears 100 Games Lost
Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly ruled out vs. Storm as injuries mount, with toll nearing 100 games lost this season.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings signed 6-foot-2 forward Amy Okonkwo to a seven-day hardship contract. The 2-time AfroBasket MVP will be available Friday vs. Seattle as Dallas navigates a depleted roster. Read more:
Sources: Dallas Wings to Sign Forward Amy Okonkwo to Seven-Day Hardship Contract
Dallas Wings add forward Amy Okonkwo on a seven-day hardship contract as injuries leave the roster short-handed.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Paige Bueckers dropped a rookie-record 44 points on 17/21 FG, but Kelsey Plum’s buzzer-beater gave the Sparks an 81–80 win over the Wings. Bueckers: “Every possession is different… just reading the game and taking what the defense gives you.” Read more:
“She’s So Efficient, It’s Unbelievable”: Paige Bueckers Scores Record 44 Points in Dallas Wings’ Loss to Los Angeles Sparks
Paige Bueckers scored 44 points with record efficiency, but the Dallas Wings fell short against the Los Angeles Sparks.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Entering tonight's Wings-Sparks matchup, Paige Bueckers averaged 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in 28 games. Chris Koclanes: “She is Rookie of the Year. There’s no question. She just is.” Read more:
“She Is Rookie of the Year”: Chris Koclanes Makes Paige Bueckers’ Case Ahead of Los Angeles Sparks Matchup
Dallas Wings coach Chris Koclanes makes the case for Paige Bueckers as WNBA Rookie of the Year before facing the Sparks.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Arike Ogunbowale will be out for the coming weeks with knee tendinitis. Despite this, the Dallas Wings are encouraged by their offense. Chris Koclanes: "Our spacing and ball movement are encouraging. Now we just need a defensive identity.” Read more:
“Our Spacing and Ball Movement Are Encouraging”: Arike Ogunbowale Sidelined With Knee Tendinitis as Dallas Wings Offense Surges
Arike Ogunbowale is sidelined with knee tendinitis, but the Dallas Wings’ offense is thriving with improved spacing and ball movement.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings will be without Li Yueru for the rest of the season with an ACL sprain. Luisa Geiselsöder: “Li was a big presence down there, so we have to try to find a different way to get that presence. We just have to work harder now.” Read more:
"Li Was a Big Presence": Li Yueru Out for Season With ACL Sprain, Dallas Wings Adjust Before Los Angeles Sparks Rematch
Dallas Wings center Li Yueru is out for the season with an ACL sprain as the team prepares for a rematch against the Sparks.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Maddy Siegrist set new career highs twice in a week, capped by 23 points vs. Las Vegas — showing why teammates call her “a bucket.” Siegrist: “I’m just trying to do everything I can to help my teammates.” Read more:
“Maddy’s a Bucket”: Maddy Siegrist Emerging as Key Scorer for Dallas Wings, Posts Career Night Against Las Vegas Aces
Maddy Siegrist is averaging 16.2 points since her return, capped by a career-high 23 in the Dallas Wings’ loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings continue to seek answers defensively after their 106-87 loss against the Las Vegas Aces. Chris Koclanes: “Right now, we’re very one-dimensional defensively. Players are too good to leave anyone on an island.” Read more:
"We’re Very One-Dimensional": Dallas Wings Seek More Defensive Disruption After Loss Against Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson scored 34 as the Las Vegas Aces hit 18 threes, exposing the Dallas Wings’ defensive issues in a 106–87 loss.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings lost 106-87 against the Las Vegas Aces. A’ja Wilson scored 34, and the Aces hit 18 threes — the most ever against the Wings and the second-most in WNBA history. Paige Bueckers: “At the point of attack, we weren’t good enough.” Read more:
“We’ve Got to Be Better Defensively”: Dallas Wings Overwhelmed by Las Vegas Aces’ 18 Threes, A'ja Wilson in Loss
The Dallas Wings fell 106–87 in Las Vegas as A’ja Wilson scored 34 and the Las Vegas Aces hit 18 threes. Maddy Siegrist had a career-high 23.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings will be without Arike Ogunbowale and Li Yueru against A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. Chris Koclanes: “It’s all of our effort with [Wilson] one-on-one, and then everybody else having good attention and awareness to her.” Read more:
“It’s All About Early Physicality”: Li Yueru Downgraded to Out as Dallas Wings Brace for A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
The Dallas Wings will be without both Arike Ogunbowale and Li Yueru when they take on the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday afternoon. The team announced that Yueru has been downgraded to out due to a left kne...
dallashoopsjournal.com
Paige Bueckers is closing in on more Dallas Wings rookie history as they visit the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. Arike Ogunbowale (knee) has been ruled out. Read more on the matchup + how to watch:
How to Watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces: Paige Bueckers Nears Rookie Scoring Record, Arike Ogunbowale Out on Sunday, August 17
Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Aug. 17. Here’s how to watch and key storylines.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Arike Ogunbowale will miss her third straight game Sunday as the Dallas Wings visit the Las Vegas Aces. Li Yueru is questionable to play. Read more:
Dallas Wings' Arike Ogunbowale to Miss Third Straight Game; Li Yueru Questionable vs. Las Vegas Aces
Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale will miss her third straight game vs. Aces; Li Yueru questionable, Paige Bueckers is not listed.
dallashoopsjournal.com
On Friday, Paige Bueckers broke the Dallas Wings’ rookie assist record and became the fastest player in team history to 500 points. Bueckers: “For me, it’s just about being the best teammate, the best leader, and contributing to winning.” Read more:
"It's About How You Contribute to Winning": Paige Bueckers Breaks Dallas Wings Rookie Assist Record, Fastest to 500 Points
Paige Bueckers scored 29 points and set franchise rookie records in the Dallas Wings’ 97-96 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
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Paige Bueckers dropped 29 and became the fastest rookie in Wings history to 500 points, but Dallas’ rally came up short in a 97-96 loss to the LA Sparks. Myisha Hines-Allen on Bueckers: “I saw that dog in her today.” Read more:
“I Saw That Dog in Her Today”: Paige Bueckers Shines but Dallas Wings' Late Rally Falls Short vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Paige Bueckers scored 29 and set rookie records, but the Dallas Wings fell 97-96 to Los Angeles despite a furious comeback.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Li Yueru told Dallas Hoops Journal her career 20-point night vs. Indiana gave her “a lot of confidence for post-ups." She added that Chris Koclanes “wants to put me more in the paint area now” and appreciates that he's used plays for paint touches. Read more: dallashoopsjournal.com/p/li-yueru-c...
"Gave Me a Lot of Confidence": Li Yueru Building on Career Night as Dallas Wings Face Los Angeles Sparks
Li Yueru looks to build on her career-high 20 points as the Dallas Wings prepare to face the Los Angeles Sparks.
dallashoopsjournal.com
With Arike Ogunbowale missing her second straight game as the Dallas Wings host the Los Angeles Sparks, the team's focus is on defense. Chris Koclanes: "When your leader is out, you saw a different level of compete right from the get-go..." Read more:
Arike Ogunbowale Out vs. Los Angeles Sparks as Dallas Wings Continue Play-by-Committee Approach
With Arike Ogunbowale sidelined again, the Dallas Wings look to build on Tuesday’s win using a play-by-committee approach against the Sparks.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Li Yueru credited teammates after scoring a career-high 20 points in the Wings' win in Indiana. Yueru: “Myisha just told me every time, ‘Try to post up, post up, stay inside,’ and she will pass to me… She brings a lot of energy for me...” Read more:
"They Try to Help Me a Lot": Li Yueru Credits Dallas Wings Teammates After Career Night vs. Indiana Fever
Li Yueru scored a career-high 20 points in the Dallas Wings’ 81–80 win over the Indiana Fever, crediting Myisha Hines-Allen’s leadership.
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After earning a roster spot, Grace Berger is in a prime position to take over at the point for the Dallas Wings. @grantafseth.bsky.social spoke with Berger's coach and teammates about how she can help lead on both sides of the ball:
How the Wings plan to use Grace Berger as a 'true point guard'
Grace Berger’s addition gives the Wings a true point guard to ease Paige Bueckers’ workload and boost playmaking and defense.
thenexthoops.com
Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston broke down the WNBA Rookie of the Year race on Post Moves, comparing Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron. Parker: “Paige is just so calm, cool, and collected..." Read more:
"Make Me Change My Ways": Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston Debate Paige Bueckers vs. Sonia Citron for Rookie of the Year
Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston discuss why Paige Bueckers remains the Rookie of the Year favorite over Sonia Citron.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Maddy Siegrist scored 22 points, Li Yueru added 20 off the bench, and the Dallas Wings held off a late Indiana Fever rally for a road win. Bueckers: "It was just a great team win, and for everybody to play a huge part in it was the best part.” Read more:
“We Just Try to Get the Win”: Career-High Performances From Maddy Siegrist, Li Yueru Lift Dallas Wings Past Indiana Fever in Road Thriller
Maddy Siegrist and Li Yueru scored career highs as the Dallas Wings edged the Indiana Fever 81–80 in a thrilling road win.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Maddy Siegrist tied her career-high with 22 points in the Dallas Wings’ win over the Indiana Fever. She's averaging 14.8 points since returning from injury. Siegrist: “For me, the most important thing was getting the win tonight." Read more:
“She’s Very Low Maintenance”: Maddy Siegrist’s Career Night Against Indiana Fever Extends Post-Injury Momentum
Maddy Siegrist scored 22 points as the Dallas Wings edged the Indiana Fever 81-80 without Arike Ogunbowale.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Grace Berger on earning a rest-of-season deal with the Dallas Wings: “I’m grateful they’re taking a chance on me and believe in me enough to sign me for the rest of the season.” Read more:
"I've Really Been Enjoying My Time Here": Grace Berger Grateful for Rest-of-Season Contract With Dallas Wings
Grace Berger reacts to her rest-of-season deal with the Dallas Wings and fitting in alongside Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Paige Bueckers (back) and Myisha Hines-Allen (left ankle) will be available for Tuesday’s nationally televised Wings-Fever game on ESPN. Arike Ogunbowale (right knee soreness) is now considered questionable. Read more:
Paige Bueckers, Myisha Hines-Allen to Play vs. Indiana Fever; Arike Ogunbowale's Status Uncertain
Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers and Myisha Hines-Allen will play vs. Indiana Fever, while Arike Ogunbowale is questionable with knee soreness.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Paige Bueckers opened Sunday optimistic about the Dallas Wings’ future, but after a fifth straight loss, she called for sharper execution in the short term. Bueckers: “We’ve talked about it enough. We just need to put action behind our words." Read more:
“Put Action Behind Our Words”: Paige Bueckers Urges Dallas Wings to Turn Talk Into Results After Fifth Straight Loss
Paige Bueckers calls for execution over words after a loss to the Washington Mystics, pushing the Dallas Wings to turn promise into results.
dallashoopsjournal.com
The Dallas Wings list Paige Bueckers (back) and Myisha Hines-Allen (left ankle) as probable vs. the Indiana Fever. Bueckers: “Adrenaline is a hell of a drug — once the game starts, it kind of goes away, and then you feel it the day after.” Read more:
“Adrenaline Is a Hell of a Drug”: Paige Bueckers Managing Back Injury as Dallas Wings Share Status vs. Indiana Fever
WNBA star Paige Bueckers discusses managing her back injury as the Dallas Wings prepare for a key matchup against the Indiana Fever.
dallashoopsjournal.com
Paige Bueckers scored 17 points as the Dallas Wings dropped their fifth straight, falling 91–78 to the Washington Mystics after giving up 61 second-half points. Bueckers: “We know what to do, so just doing it.” Read more:
"Our Intensity Has to Stay the Same": Dallas Wings’ Strong Start Fades in Loss to Washington Mystics
WNBA star Paige Bueckers scored 17 points, but the Dallas Wings fell 91-78 to the Washington Mystics after a second-half surge.
dallashoopsjournal.com