Haley

Jones

Bueckers led her team in scoring for the Wings’ final game of the season. She shot over 50% from the field in her fourth straight game, hitting a pair of three-pointers in addition to eight shots in the paint all within 10 feet of the basket. She created her offense on and off the ball, including off the dribble driving the ball while cutting off the ball and scoring. Bueckers dished out seven assists in her second straight game. On Thursday night she dished out passes to four different teammates for scores including hitting a cutting Haley Jones on pick-and-rolls, getting the ball out to Aziaha James and Amy Okonkwo in transition and finding Myisha Hines-Allen to exploit a mismatch.

Back in the Wings lineup after missing two games with a right knee injury, Jones showed no ill effects from the time off in Thursday’s performance. She recorded a complete stat line against the Valkyries, with the six “stocks” being the most she’s had in a game in her three-year WNBA career. While it took time and multiple scenery changes, joining the Wings has been a positive for Jones, whose versatility has been a positive asset to the rebuilding franchise.

Jones is back in the Wings’ starting lineup after missing two games with a right knee injury. Her return means Amy Okonkwo will come off the bench, but she should still factor into Dallas’ rotation. The other four starters are unchanged, with Hines-Allen playing after initially being questionable due to illness.

After a two-game absence, Jones has been cleared to play in Thursday’s game. Her return pushes Amy Okonkwo to the bench, but she will remain in the Wings’ rotation.

Initially ruled out for Thursday’s game due to a right knee injury, Jones has been upgraded to questionable after a two-game absence. Amy Okonkwo has been her replacement in the starting lineup, with Diamond Miller and recent signing Christyn Williams picking up rotation minutes off the bench.

Jones’ name was added to Dallas’ lengthy injury report following the team’s August 27 loss to the Sun. Monday’s game will be the second she’s missed with a right knee injury, which should result in Diamond Miller making another start. Miller played 21 minutes against Atlanta on August 29, with Christyn Williams logging 14 minutes off the bench.

Jones had a strong offensive outing in the loss to the Sun. She used efficient shooting to reach double figures in points, with the bulk of her scoring coming in an eight-point opening frame that left potential for a big scoring performance. However, Jones didn’t score much for the rest of the game and instead focused on other areas — she finished as one of Dallas’ top rebounders and passers on the evening. She’ll have a chance to land another balanced performance on Friday against the Dream as the Wings try to end a six-game losing streak.

The Wings have not provided a return timeline for Ogunbowale, so she should be considered out indefinitely until her status is updated. The veteran guard’s absence means the offense will continue to run exclusively through Paige Bueckers, the favorite to win Rookie of the Year honors. With the Wings boasting a 9-26 record ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Sparks, it’s possible that Ogunbowale will not play again this season. Haley Jones has been in the starting lineup with Ogunbowale sidelined, and Maddy Siegrist will also continue to have a more critical role within the rotation.

Hines-Allen returned from an ankle injury on Friday, playing 20 minutes and tallying 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in a loss to the Liberty. She should take on a similar role against the Mystics, likely resulting in fewer minutes for Haley Jones, who was used as a small-ball four while the Wings were short on frontcourt options.

Despite participating in shootaround on Tuesday, Hines-Allen will not play against the Liberty. Her absence leaves Dallas down another rotation post player, meaning more will be asked of starter Luisa Geiselsöder. In recent games, the Wings have gone small, with Haley Jones starting, which has resulted in fewer minutes for reserve Li Yueru.