Full Breakdown
Paige Bueckers Leads Dallas Wings to Comeback Win Over Connecticut Sun in Final Hartford Game
7/3/2026, 3:07:32 PM
Game Summary
On July 2, 2026, the Dallas Wings overcame a 14-point fourth-quarter hole to beat the Connecticut Sun 86-83 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. Paige Bueckers scored 25 points (11 in the final period), added seven rebounds and seven assists; Jessica Shepard contributed 14 points and Alanna Smith 11 off the bench. The Sun’s top scorer was Leila Lacan with 18 points.
Background
The game marked the Sun’s last home appearance before relocating to Houston in 2027 and the first professional meeting of former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, the Wings’ No. 1 overall picks in consecutive drafts.
Official Reactions
Coach Jose Fernandez praised Bueckers’ “incredible” consistency and willingness to take big shots. Bueckers, an All-Star starter who led fan voting with over one million ballots, called the crowd “great” and the arena “like a home game.” Guard Azzi Fudd said the comeback “teaches us what we’re capable of.” The organization honored former Sun coach Curt Miller, now Dallas GM, for reuniting the two UConn stars.
Criticism
Analysts questioned whether Fudd’s No. 1 selection was driven by roster needs or by her prior chemistry with Bueckers, suggesting the pick might reflect familiarity over team balance.
On-the-Ground
Fans filled the arena to capacity, chanting Bueckers’ name as the Wings erased the deficit; Shepard’s late defensive rebound and free throws sealed the victory with under three seconds left.
Conflicting Reports
Sources list the Wings’ record as either 12-8 or 11-8, attendance as 14,578 or 14,579, and the deficit as a 14-point hole or an 11-point gap at the 7:11 mark of the fourth quarter.
Significance
The comeback highlights Bueckers and Fudd’s immediate impact on Dallas’ offense and defense, bolstering the Wings’ playoff push, while serving as a farewell for Connecticut fans as the Sun prepare to move to Houston. It also marked the Wings’ fourth double-digit comeback this season, tying the league lead.
What's Next
The Wings travel to Toronto on Sunday; the Sun head to Minnesota on Monday. Bueckers has suggested a future exhibition at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion to keep the Connecticut-Dallas connection alive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She does [incredible] things every single day that now you're not surprised of anymore,” — Jose Fernandez, Dallas Wings head coach
- “It was (a) great crowd, it was a great environment,” — Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings guard
- “Obviously we don't want to be down going into the third, going into the fourth," Fudd said, "but I think these games just teach us what we're capable of.” — Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings guard
- “Making shots, sometimes it's as simple as that," Bueckers said.” — Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings guard
