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The Dallas Wings opened their season on Friday night with a 99–84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, marking the WNBA debut of No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. In her first game, Bueckers recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
On Monday night, during her second career WNBA game, Bueckers took a major step forward with a standout performance.
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Despite the Wings falling short once again—this time 79–71 to the Seattle Storm—Bueckers led the team with 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals. She shot an efficient 7-for-14 from the field.
Following the game, according to StatMuse, the former UConn star became the first rookie in Wings franchise history to reach all of those numbers in a single outing.
Additionally, Bueckers is now the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 15+ points and 5+ assists in a game—trailing only the legendary Candace Parker.
Her impact has already been significant, and while it will take time for her to fully adjust to the WNBA’s style of play and build chemistry with her new teammates, Paige Bueckers is off to a promising start. The Wings drafted her on April 14—just over a month ago—and she didn’t make her preseason debut until May 2.
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Still, Bueckers ended her collegiate career as a champion, and although she’s drawn comparisons to Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, she’s made it clear that she’s on her own path.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at College Park Center.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“The ability to not run a race in comparison, to run my own race and worry about that,” Bueckers said on May 6. “Caitlin’s a phenomenal player. We’re also completely different players.”
She added, “Pitting the two most recent No. 1 draft picks against each other is good for the game. At the end of the day, I don’t think either of us really cares about it, because we’re just trying to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Related: Caitlin Clark Faces Backlash After Naming Her Basketball ‘GOAT’ Without Hesitation
