Bux, James and Li Yueru join forces to help Feiyi win the Suns

In the 86-83 win over the Connecticut Suns on Saturday morning, Dallas Wings showed calmness, growth and resilience, and with the best performances of rookies Azia James, Page Bux and Lee Yueru this season, the team ushered in their first winning streak in the season. In front of the 8910 spectators in the Suns away stadium, Fei Wings (3 wins and 11 losses) withstood the Suns' counterattack and completed a two-game winning streak in Connecticut for the first time since 2009. Bux returned to the state where she became famous, scoring a team-high 21 points and 7 assists. James broke out in the second half, scoring 17 points alone, contributing 5 rebounds and 5 assists, and all three data set career highs. Li Yueru played the strongest game of the season when he came on as a substitute, contributing 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, playing 24 minutes, and playing all quarters in the fourth quarter.

Box led the Flying Wings to start the game

Box performed strongly in the first half, scoring 16 points on 7 of 11 shots, showing the organizational ability of rhythm and control, and found ways to deal with Connecticut's physical confrontation many times. She sent 7 assists throughout the game, setting a career high and became the only WNBA rookie to hand in "15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists" data multiple times this season.

"It's always a special feeling to come back to Connecticut," Bux said. "The people here have always given me a lot of support, and this state means a lot to me. It's really special to be able to win here - especially as a team - that's what we do as a team." Chris Koclanes, head coach, also praised Bux for his influence and decision-making skills in the game, especially as her scoring slowed down in the second half. He stressed that although she did not score a sports goal in the second half, she still managed to organize the offense, connect teammates, and secure the backcourt on the defensive end.

"Even if we can win a game like tonight, it is entirely because of her strong performance in the first half," Cocranes said. "And although she did not score sports goals in the second half, she gave out five assists, performed well in defense, and continued to make a key contribution to winning."

He also specially praised Bux's outside defense against Marina Mebri - the latter scored only 8 points in this game and made only 2 of 10 shots. Bux focused on defensive tasks all night, actively interfering in shooting, bypassing screens, and limiting Membry's catch shots.

"Peppa guarded her all night, full of energy," he said, "We took turns to put pressure on her in different defensive ways, making her feel uncomfortable all the time."

James ignited the second half counterattack firepower, and became James' home court in the third quarter. She played confidently and infectiously, showing a complete offensive arsenal and making correct judgments at critical moments. One of the scenes was impressive - she sent a wonderful pass from behind to Li Yueru during the conversion attack, detonating the whole game.

"Nalisa was following me at the time," James said with a smile after the game, "so I showed it a little."

She added 7 points in the fourth quarter, including free throws and breakthroughs at critical moments. In the whole game, James made 5 of 7 shots and 7 of 8 free throws, scoring a career-high 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, with only 2 turnovers and extremely efficient in playing for 24 minutes.

"I have not dared to attack the basket in the past few games," she admitted, "but today I have to stand up and help my teammates-they are in trouble with fouls, so I kept rushing to the basket and trying to get on the free throw line."

Cocranes said that James's outbreak was not accidental, but the breakthrough moment after she had been patiently waiting and actively preparing for a long time.

"This is normal, right? As for the rookie season - you are still groping and looking for your own opportunities." He said, "It's great that she can respond in this way. Our entire team is looking forward to her moment."

He pointed out that because the opponent's defense focuses on Bux and Ogun Bovalle, James often faces the opponent's weakest outside defender, which also creates opportunities for her breakthrough.

"She should have been able to hit the penalty area and create threats," Cocranes said. "You see - passing the ball, 5 assists, controlling the game in the penalty area, and her organizational ability. This balance also makes it easier for Page and Arik. Now, the ball can find the most suitable match and the most energy point."

James, who started the second consecutive game, is now gradually becoming a key puzzle in Dallas' adjustment of the rotation system. Her speed, physical confrontation ability and constantly improving confidence are shining.

Li Yueru sat in the inside and showed his dominance

In this game, Li Yueru came on as a substitute to play the strongest game of the season, contributing 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, played 24 minutes, and played in the fourth quarter to stabilize the situation at a critical moment. She made 6 of 6 free throws in the final quarter and made her first three-pointer of the season, performing efficiently and stably.

"I was in a bad state in the first quarter and I was a little nervous," Li Yueru said after the game. "But the coach (Cocranes) gave me a chance. Nora (Henry) and Camille (Smith) said to me, 'Just be yourself,' which helped me a lot."

She showed value on both sides of the offense and defense. She used her strong body and inside feel to restrain Connecticut's defense, and at the same time she dared to shoot from the outside to create more space for the team's backcourt.

"I learned to shoot three points and wanted to help my teammates open up space," she said. "I don't want to stand at the basket all the time, it's too crowded. I feel more comfortable pulling outside now, and my opponents are generally not guarding against me, I can get open opportunities. ”

However, she also admitted that she was still learning how to better use her body shape at a low position, especially in terms of position, timing and three-second zone awareness.

"You know, I'm very big, and I'm still learning how to use it," she said. "Sometimes I'm a little scared to stay in the restricted area for a long time, worried about three-second violations, so I often move out by myself. But after playing this game, I think I will try to stay inside more and use my body well - I have really learned a lot. ”

coach Colaness Cochranes highly praised Li Yueru's execution ability in the system. From cover, opening up space, to defense and low-post confrontation, she handled it properly. He specifically mentioned that Li Yueru quickly adapted to the rhythm of the game and tactical changes, and could not retreat when facing veterans like Tina Charles.

"She is a connector and an excellent coverer. Our entire team needs to improve its finishing ability, not just Lee — everyone missed some layups,” Cocranes said, “but it was a big surprise that she could make three points. She is a great pitcher, and that ball is so crucial. I am proud of her efforts and attitude, and she is learning to be tougher. We asked her to delay pick-and-roll, assist in defense, against Tina Charles – and then hit a key three-pointer, and she won our trust. ”

Li Yueru also praised the team's pre-match training arrangements to help her adapt to the rhythm and terminology faster. Since being traded to Fei Wing, she has actually only conducted a full training with the team once, but the warm-up and preparation for opponents before the game made her more confident.

"Training makes me feel more secure," she said, "If I haven't done anything during training, I will be nervous during the game. But we have practiced a lot in the past few days - about our opponents and about ourselves - and it really helps a lot. ”

The next game

Flying Wings will continue their away trip on Monday, heading to Washington to play against the Mysterious Man (5 wins and 8 losses), and the game will be held at 2:00 pm Central Time (3:00 am on Monday).

Li Yueru concluded: "This game gave me a lot of confidence, and we just hope to continue moving forward. ”