The Dallas Wings’ 99–84 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Lynx marked the first WNBA appearance for Paige Bueckers, who finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal in 30 minutes. But for Bueckers, the night was less about the box score and more about planting a flag.
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Bueckers walked onto the floor Friday night surrounded by cameras, chants and the weight of expectation. She walked off with no illusions, no panic — and no need for perfection. It was just another step in a long-term journey against an opponent many pick as a preseason title favorite.
“Getting to the dream is not enough,” Bueckers said. “This is a starting foundation, and we’ll build off that the next day.”
Selected No. 1 overall in April’s WNBA Draft, Bueckers entered the league as one of its most anticipated prospects in years. She took the court in front of a sold-out crowd at College Park Center, where her father stood courtside, visibly emotional during warmups. The cheers rose before tipoff — and again when Bueckers scored Dallas’ first points of the season on a second-chance layup.
“The first one’s always the hardest, usually,” she said. “Just being able to have a starting point… now there’s no more questions about your first WNBA game.”
Paige Bueckers Shows Poise in a Physical WNBA
Bueckers showed flashes of what made her a generational talent at UConn — controlling tempo, delivering timely passes, and fighting through contact. She assisted on a second-half go-ahead three from DiJonai Carrington and found ways to impact the game despite limited spacing and defensive pressure from a veteran Lynx team.
Her introduction to the physicality of the WNBA came quickly. At one point, she defended Napheesa Collier in the post — a matchup that highlighted the learning curve.
“The fours are a lot bigger than the ones I had to guard in college,” Bueckers said. “There’s a level of physicality and a shorter shot clock — so it’s about getting into our actions quicker.”
Head coach Chris Koclanes praised Bueckers’ adaptability, especially when paired with fellow guard Tyasha Harris.
“Ty brings another leader, a sense of calm,” Koclanes said. “It allows us to move Paige off the ball at times and relieves some pressure.”
A Measured Mindset to Lead the Dallas Wings
While Bueckers didn’t dominate the game, she delivered what the Wings were looking for — steadiness, competitiveness, and signs of what’s to come. She was often the first to communicate on switches and the last to give up on a play.
“We liked a lot of things and we disliked some things,” Bueckers said. “So to continue to build on the things that we liked and clean up the things that we didn’t — look forward to that.”
Carrington, who started alongside her, appreciated the team’s effort to stay together during the game’s turning point — a third-quarter run by Minnesota that flipped the momentum for good.
“Even when we got down, we were still talking to each other on the court, on the bench,” Carrington said. “We didn’t throw in the towel, and I’m proud of us for that.”
Shared UConn Roots, New Roles
The night also reunited Bueckers with Collier, a fellow UConn alum and former USA Basketball 3×3 teammate who finished with 34 points and eight rebounds. The two traded smiles and brief banter during a foul call in the first half.
“It’s extremely fun to play against Phee,” Bueckers said. “She’s just the ultimate competitor. That’s the ultimate sign of respect.”
Collier returned the compliment postgame.
“I’m really proud of Paige,” she said. “She’s so talented. Just super proud that she broke the curse of UConn not winning a championship in 10 years.”
Next Challenge
The Wings return to action Monday, May 19, when they host the Seattle Storm. While the opener didn’t end in victory, Bueckers left with exactly what she needed: clarity, a learning tape — and time.
“We don’t want to just stop here,” she said. “There’s a long season ahead and a lot more work to do.”
