Arlington, Texas – The WNBA landscape shifted slightly on Saturday night as the Dallas Wings, battling early-season struggles, unearthed a diamond in the rough. In a dazzling performance that defied her rookie status and limited previous playing time, JJ Quinerly stepped into the starting lineup for the very first time and delivered a sensational season-high 15 points, propelling the Wings to a much-needed 79-71 victory over the Washington Mystics. This electrifying JJ Quinerly WNBA debut as a starter immediately ignited optimism for the Dallas faithful.
The buzz around the College Park Center was palpable, even with the absence of star rookie Paige Bueckers, sidelined with a right knee issue. It was a moment for another promising talent to rise, and the 27th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Quinerly, seized it with both hands. Her impactful offensive output, combined with her tenacious defense, proved to be the spark the Wings desperately needed.
From the opening tip, the Wings played with a renewed energy. They stormed out of the gate, establishing a commanding 28-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, showcasing crisp ball movement and aggressive attacking. Quinerly, known for her scoring prowess from her West Virginia collegiate career, wasted no time asserting herself. Her confident shooting and decisive drives to the basket were a revelation, silencing any doubts about her readiness for the professional stage.
The Mystics, however, are a resilient squad and refused to fold. They mounted a furious comeback in the third quarter, slashing the Wings’ lead to a mere two points, 45-43. This is where Quinerly’s composure, a hallmark of seasoned veterans, truly shone. Instead of wilting under pressure, she, alongside fellow rookie Aziaha James, who also chipped in with a vital 15 points, helped steady the ship. An 8-0 run, sparked by Kaila Charles’ three-point play and capped by James’ clutch three-pointer, re-established the Wings’ control, pushing the lead back to 62-51.
The fourth quarter saw the Wings maintain their composure, starting with another crucial 7-0 run that pushed their lead to 15 points. Veteran presence from Arike Ogunbowale (14 points) and Myisha Hines-Allen (13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) complemented the rookie surge, highlighting a balanced team effort. The stat sheet told a compelling story: the Wings’ bench outscored the Mystics’ bench by a staggering 36-5, a testament to the depth and potential of this Dallas roster.
For the Mystics, Sonia Citron led the charge with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Shakira Austin added 18. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t overcome the Wings’ early dominance and the timely contributions from their burgeoning young talent.
This victory marks the Dallas Wings’ fourth win in their last six games, signaling a significant turnaround after a challenging 1-12 start to the 2025 WNBA season. While the absence of Paige Bueckers is a concern, the emergence of JJ Quinerly in such a crucial moment is a silver lining that could redefine the Wings’ trajectory. This WNBA rookie sensation has officially announced her arrival, and her journey from here promises to be one of the league’s most compelling storylines. Keep an eye on Quinerly; her first WNBA start was just a preview of what could be a very bright future for the Dallas Wings.
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