The Dallas Wings have largely struggled this 2025 WNBA season. Despite having Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale leading their backcourt, they entered Friday's game against the Connecticut Sun with the worst record in the league at 2-11.
Fortunately, against a fellow bottom team in the Connecticut Sun, the Wings got their third victory. Not only that, but they also secured their first winning streak, having beaten the Golden State Valkyries in their previous outing.
Bueckers led the way for the Wings with 21 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals. She shot 7-of-16 from the field in 36 minutes of action to propel Dallas to a narrow 86-83 victory.
Tina Charles had 26 points for the Sun, but she didn't get much help, with Jacey Sheldon and Aneesah Morrow being their next best scorers with 10 points each.
After the win, the Wings naturally announced their Player of the Game. Interestingly, it was not Bueckers who claimed the honor. Instead, it was rookie guard Aziaha James who earned the recognition.
James finished with 17 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, while adding five rebounds and five assists.
"With a career high 17 pts, Aziaha James is your @childrens Player of the Game!" the Wings wrote, along with an edited image showing the 22-year-old's stats from the game.
With a career high 17 pts, Aziaha James is your @childrens Player of the Game! pic.twitter.com/cJdIUVFCm9
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 21, 2025
Naturally, fans were hyped up for Aziaha James, who was averaging 2.9 points entering the contest.
"Zaza nation it’s our time," a commenter wrote. Another one shared, "Looove that for her!"
A fan added, "We’re so proud of you Zaza."
"Love to see this. Love to watch her do her thing!" a follower remarked.
A hyped supporter shared, "ZAZA HERE TO STAY."
James was drafted 12th overall by the Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Prior to jumping to the pros, she played four years with the NC State Wolfpack.
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