Full Breakdown
Dallas Wings Rally Past Connecticut Sun in Final Hartford Game
7/4/2026, 3:20:27 PM
Game Overview and Key Statistics
On Thursday night at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, the Dallas Wings defeated the Connecticut Sun 86-83 after trailing by 11 points with 7:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. Paige Bueckers scored 25 points (11 in the final period), added seven rebounds and seven assists, tying Kelsey Plum’s record for a guard with four consecutive 25-point, 50 %-plus games. Jessica Shepard contributed 14 points and Alanna Smith 11 off the bench. The Sun’s leading scorer was sophomore Leila Lacan with 18 points; Brittney Griner posted 13 points and 11 rebounds. The win improved Dallas to 12-8, snapping a two-game skid, while Connecticut fell to 4-16.
Background: Sun Relocation and Wings’ Comeback Trend
The contest marked the Sun’s final home game in Hartford before the franchise relocates to Houston for the 2027 season. Dallas entered the matchup tied for the league lead with four double-digit comebacks, matching the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx. The victory reinforced the Wings’ pursuit of a postseason berth after a two-year absence and highlighted the impact of the No. 1 overall picks—Bueckers (2024) and Azzi Fudd (2025)—in shaping a potential championship contender.
Key Performers
- Paige Bueckers – former UConn star, All-Star starter, fan-voted starter; 25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists.
- Azzi Fudd – former UConn star, No. 1 pick in 2025; scoreless until the fourth quarter, then added crucial baskets.
- Jose Fernandez – Dallas head coach, praised Bueckers’ clutch play.
- Jessica Shepard – contributed 14 points, highlighted Bueckers’ impact.
- Alanna Smith – 11 points off the bench.
- Leila Lacan – Sun’s top scorer with 18 points.
- Aaliyah Edwards – Sun guard, scored the final seven points for Connecticut.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Fernandez noted that Bueckers “does incredible things every single day” and described her as “different” and “a competitor who refuses to lose.” Fudd reflected that the comeback “teaches us what we’re capable of” and serves as preparation for late-game situations. Bueckers said the team “finds a way down the stretch” despite a difficult first three quarters. Shepard called Bueckers’ performance “what you’d expect from her,” emphasizing the importance of stepping up in crucial moments.
Criticism & Opposition
Multiple observers highlighted prolonged officiating reviews during the third quarter, including two flagrant-foul deliberations that each lasted several minutes. Commentators argued that the delays disrupted game momentum and called for faster resolution of reviews to preserve the product’s flow.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ in the spelling of the Sun guard’s name (Leila Lacan vs. Leila Lecan) and in reporting her first-half scoring (12 points in one account, 18 points total in another). No additional statistical breakdowns of shooting percentages for the Wings beyond the first quarter are provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She does [incredible] things every single day that now you're not surprised of anymore,” — Jose Fernandez, Dallas Wings head coach
- “She's such a competitor and a winner, and she just refuses to lose.” — Jose Fernandez
- “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
- “It doesn’t look good for 36 minutes, but we find a way down the stretch.” — Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings guard
- “Obviously Paige came up huge — just what you’d expect from her.” — Jessica Shepard, Dallas Wings forward
- “It felt like a home game, in a sense.” — Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings guard
What’s Next
The Wings travel to Toronto for their next game on Sunday, while the Sun head to Minnesota on Monday. Bueckers expressed interest in arranging future exhibition games in Connecticut, citing the strong fan response in Hartford.
