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Paige Bueckers didn’t have to wait long to make an impression in her first home game as a professional. In front of a packed College Park Center, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft delivered a poised and efficient performance in her Dallas Wings debut in Arlington, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and a viral highlight in a 119–52 preseason win over the Toyota Antelopes.
“It was great—great environment,” Bueckers said after the game. “It was a great turnout for the preseason game to get that first experience at College Park Center in front of the Dallas crowd.”
The Wings drew a sellout crowd of 6,251 on Saturday night, with fans eager to see Bueckers take the floor in her new home arena. The moment felt like the beginning of a new era for the franchise—one led by the former UConn superstar known for her playmaking flair and competitive edge.
She didn’t disappoint.
After an early 8-0 Antelopes run, Bueckers responded with her first basket at College Park Center—a smooth jumper that tied the game at 10–10. From there, Dallas took over, closing the first quarter on a 21–4 run and never looking back.
Bueckers added her signature touch shortly after, collecting a tipped ball and firing a no-look, crosscourt bullet to Arike Ogunbowale for a fast-break layup that quickly made the rounds online.
OH MY PAIGE BUECKERS 😱
Put back and insane passing skills on display from the rook!
Stream LIVE on the WNBA App. pic.twitter.com/ZRqypyTKYn
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 11, 2025
“Paige just gets you easy buckets,” Ogunbowale said. “Even if you think she doesn’t see you, she sees you. I saw the highlight in the locker room—it was dope. But that’s just gonna be all year, so I’m excited about that.”
Paige Bueckers Growing as a Floor General
For Bueckers, the highlight came naturally. She credited Maddy Siegrist’s hustle to keep the possession alive and said she instinctively saw Ogunbowale in the corner of her eye and made the pass as fast as possible before the defense could react.
But her focus was on much more than flashy plays. As she continues her transition to the WNBA, Bueckers said she’s placing a major emphasis on using her voice, organizing the offense, and growing into her role as a point guard.
“Better than the first game. I’m trying to build every game and improve,” Bueckers said. “Getting more reps in practice helps with confidence to organize things in games. But the coaching staff and my teammates help a lot—it’s not a solo mission. Just trying to grow each game.”
Her performance helped the Wings finish with 34 assists on 50 made field goals. She and Ogunbowale each dished out six assists, leading a team that had seven players score in double figures. Head coach Chris Koclanes said he was impressed with how Bueckers has steadily picked up the system.
“She’s already an incredible playmaker,” Koclanes said. “What we’re seeing now is her starting to understand the common shapes and reads in our offense and leading with purpose. She just keeps getting better every time out.”
Chemistry with Backcourt and Fanbase
Bueckers’ presence in the backcourt gives Dallas a dynamic pairing alongside Ogunbowale. Both guards are capable of creating for themselves and others, and both showed a willingness to share the ball and find teammates throughout the night. For Bueckers, it’s clear that team success is at the forefront.
“We just feed off each other,” she said. “We’re aggressive looking for shots, but we’re also aggressive in creating for others. We’re unselfish in moving the ball and wanting to get the best shot available.”
The night was also a celebration of culture and collaboration. The Wings and Antelopes participated in a ceremonial gift exchange at halfcourt before tipoff. The Japanese national anthem was played alongside the Star-Spangled Banner. Mai Yamamoto, a longtime Antelopes guard currently in Wings training camp, played in front of representatives from both teams.
“It was just a cool collaboration,” Koclanes said. “Great energy in the building. Great to see our fans get behind this group so quickly.”
For Bueckers, the debut was another small step in what she hopes will be a long and successful journey in Dallas. But more than anything, it was about finally playing in front of the fans who had been waiting since draft night to see her in teal.
“I was just excited to be out there,” she said. “It felt good to play in front of the fans and just be with my team. That’s what makes it fun.”
Paige Bueckers doesn’t play again until May 16 when the Dallas Wings host the Minnesota Lynx in a nationally-televised regular season opener.
