New-look Wings look for course correction vs. Valkyries

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th June, 16:42 2025

Jun 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) dribbles the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Dallas Wings need to get something going in the right direction. Their trade over the weekend could do just that.

That said, Wings coach Chris Koclanes hasn't had much time to discern how to put 6-foot-7 center Li Yueru to best use during Tuesday night's game against the visiting Golden State Valkyries.

Dallas (1-11) acquired Li from the Seattle Storm on Saturday for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. The Wings will look for a bump from the highly touted post player, whose limited role in a loaded Seattle frontcourt resulted in 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds across nine games.

"I'm very excited," Li said, noting that coming to a team with rookie guard Paige Bueckers is attention-grabbing. "I hope we can do something on the court and I hope we can build something together."

Bueckers averages 17.4 points per game. She followed last week's career-best 35 points at Phoenix with 16 points two nights later against Las Vegas.

The Wings' seventh consecutive loss came during Friday night's 88-84 setback against the Aces, which marked Dallas' sixth single-digit loss of the season.

Meanwhile, the expansion Valkyries (5-5) have won three consecutive games. That includes Saturday's 76-70 home victory against Seattle when they shot a season-best 48.3 percent from the field.

"I think our players understand, when we execute we talk about 80 possessions," said Golden State coach Natalie Nakase. "When we execute and we can maintain the 80 possessions of the game plan, then we're pretty dangerous."

Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton each have led Golden State in scoring three times. Thornton (14.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg) has recorded three consecutive double-doubles. How?

"Confidence that she's built through her hard work and through the work that she's done with all of our coaches," Nakase said. "Building her confidence and just kind of, I love when people show me that they want to be that person. They just don't talk it, but 'KT' backs it up with action."

The Valkyries have been efficient in the first halves of games, holding a 4-0 record when registering at least 40 first-half points.

--Field Level Media