The Dallas Wings’ 99–84 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Lynx marked the primary WNBA look for Paige Bueckers, who completed with 10 factors, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal in half-hour. However for Bueckers, the evening was much less concerning the field rating and extra about planting a flag.
Michael Gonzales/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Bueckers walked onto the ground Friday evening surrounded by cameras, chants and the burden of expectation. She walked off with no illusions, no panic — and no want for perfection. It was simply one other step in a long-term journey towards an opponent many decide as a preseason title favourite.
“Attending to the dream isn’t sufficient,” Bueckers stated. “This can be a beginning basis, and we’ll construct off that the subsequent day.”
Chosen No. 1 general in April’s WNBA Draft, Bueckers entered the league as one among its most anticipated prospects in years. She took the court docket in entrance of a sold-out crowd at School Park Middle, the place her father stood courtside, visibly emotional throughout warmups. The cheers rose earlier than tipoff — and once more when Bueckers scored Dallas’ first factors of the season on a second-chance layup.
“The primary one’s at all times the toughest, normally,” she stated. “Simply with the ability to have a place to begin… now there’s no extra questions on your first WNBA recreation.”
Paige Bueckers Exhibits Poise in a Bodily WNBA
Bueckers confirmed flashes of what made her a generational expertise at UConn — controlling tempo, delivering well timed passes, and preventing by means of contact. She assisted on a second-half go-ahead three from DiJonai Carrington and located methods to affect the sport regardless of restricted spacing and defensive stress from a veteran Lynx group.
Her introduction to the physicality of the WNBA got here shortly. At one level, she defended Napheesa Collier within the submit — a matchup that highlighted the training curve.
“The fours are so much larger than those I needed to guard in school,” Bueckers stated. “There’s a degree of physicality and a shorter shot clock — so it’s about stepping into our actions faster.”
Head coach Chris Koclanes praised Bueckers’ adaptability, particularly when paired with fellow guard Tyasha Harris.
“Ty brings one other chief, a way of calm,” Koclanes stated. “It permits us to maneuver Paige off the ball at instances and relieves some stress.”
A Measured Mindset to Lead the Dallas Wings
Whereas Bueckers didn’t dominate the sport, she delivered what the Wings have been in search of — steadiness, competitiveness, and indicators of what’s to come back. She was typically the primary to speak on switches and the final to surrender on a play.
“We preferred a number of issues and we disliked some issues,” Bueckers stated. “So to proceed to construct on the issues that we preferred and clear up the issues that we didn’t — sit up for that.”
Carrington, who began alongside her, appreciated the group’s effort to remain collectively in the course of the recreation’s turning level — a third-quarter run by Minnesota that flipped the momentum for good.
“Even once we received down, we have been nonetheless speaking to one another on the court docket, on the bench,” Carrington stated. “We didn’t throw within the towel, and I’m pleased with us for that.”
Shared UConn Roots, New Roles
The evening additionally reunited Bueckers with Collier, a fellow UConn alum and former USA Basketball 3×3 teammate who completed with 34 factors and eight rebounds. The 2 traded smiles and transient banter throughout a foul name within the first half.
“It’s extraordinarily enjoyable to play towards Phee,” Bueckers stated. “She’s simply the final word competitor. That’s the final word signal of respect.”
Collier returned the praise postgame.
“I’m actually pleased with Paige,” she stated. “She’s so proficient. Simply tremendous proud that she broke the curse of UConn not profitable a championship in 10 years.”
Subsequent Problem
The Wings return to motion Monday, Could 19, after they host the Seattle Storm. Whereas the opener didn’t finish in victory, Bueckers left with precisely what she wanted: readability, a studying tape — and time.
“We don’t wish to simply cease right here,” she stated. “There’s an extended season forward and much more work to do.”
