ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Paige Bueckers celebrated finally making a shot after a challenging scoreless first half in a recent game against a struggling opponent. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year acknowledged the difficulty of missing her first seven attempts. Her self-awareness as a professional has evolved, as she navigates the complexities of losing and helps guide her team through the highs and lows of competition.
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Bueckers is set to make her WNBA playoff debut on Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries. "Very excited," she remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the postseason. "It's what you play for to be able to play in the postseason, to play for something that means so much. To be able to do it with this squad, I'm looking forward to it."
In a recent victory against Toronto, Bueckers bounced back with a strong performance, scoring 22 points and converting four shots in a crucial third-quarter surge. This win helped the Wings break a three-game losing streak during a difficult stretch of the season, which included eight losses in 11 games. The team had previously enjoyed two six-game winning streaks, marking their longest run since relocating to Dallas a decade ago.
Last season, the Wings recorded 34 losses, which was significantly more than the combined total of Bueckers' four seasons at UConn, including a national championship in 2025 before she was picked first overall by Dallas.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of her career, Bueckers said, "Every season has its journeys and its ups and downs and the waves of success and the waves of failure. I think it’s so easy throughout a season to lose confidence or let that waver. Continue to stay dedicated on getting better every single day and not be result-driven, as I’ve learned last year."
Bueckers leads all rookies in scoring and assists, averaging 20.9 points and 5.9 assists per game this season. This has necessitated first-year coach Jose Fernandez to rely on her more heavily than anticipated. Bueckers has also recorded over four rebounds per game, making her one of only three players in league history to average at least 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists in a season.
Fernandez praised Bueckers, stating she plays with energy and passion, contributing significantly to her team's performance and showing a commitment to winning. Her impact is noticeable on the court.
Bueckers recently reunited with her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd after the Wings selected Fudd with the No. 1 pick. Unfortunately, Fudd's time was cut short by a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. Bueckers acknowledged the absence of Fudd will be a notable loss as they progress into the playoffs.
The Wings concluded the regular season strong, winning seven of their last eight games. Bueckers participated in her first senior national team tournament, where the U.S. secured gold at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin. She managed to maintain her form despite the rigorous schedule.
General manager Curt Miller noted Bueckers' preparedness for the demanding conclusion to the season, attributing her performance to offseason strength training. He emphasized her important role in the franchise's future and expressed satisfaction with her development in her second year.