Paige Bueckers delivered a strong performance during Friday's loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The Dallas Wings star guard recorded 29 points, six rebounds and six assists, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
However, she did not make excuses and acknowledged the team's shortcomings in the 98-87 defeat.
Bueckers emphasized the importance of responding to physical play. She added that playing shorthanded did not cause them to lose, as Dallas has a deep roster.
"We fought," Bueckers said. "We had a good fight. We fought for majority of the game. I think we talked about it in the fourth quarter — they just laid it on us. They played more physical. They wanted it more, and that's unacceptable as a team.
"And we got to string together 40 minutes. We don't think being down people is an excuse. We have a really good team and really good players coming off the bench and a deep team. So, we want to get these wins regardless."
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The Wings played without Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd due to ankle and knee issues, respectively. Aziaha James also missed the game because of a lower leg injury.
Clark once again performed admirably, producing 29 points and 10 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell contributed 23 points.
Bueckers and Dallas have their sights set on getting back on track on Monday. They will visit the Golden State Valkyries looking to avoid their fifth loss in the last six games.
