ARLINGTON, Texas — Paige Bueckers' hometown in Minnesota celebrated her WNBA debut by temporarily renaming the city in her honor. Despite the warm welcome, her home state's team, the Minnesota Lynx, proved to be formidable opponents.
Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, scored the first points of the season for the Dallas Wings, finishing with 10 points. Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier, another UConn alum, led the Lynx with an impressive 34 points, securing a 99-84 victory over the Wings.
Key Highlights from the Game
- Bueckers' Debut: The rookie showcased her potential, contributing 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
- Collier's Dominance: The veteran player's 34 points underscored her experience and skill.
- UConn Reunion: The game featured a friendly moment between Bueckers and Collier, highlighting their shared history at UConn.
Bueckers reflected on her first game, stating, "The first one's always the hardest, usually. Now you have to move on past that." Her performance was a testament to her readiness for the professional league, despite the Wings' loss.
The game also drew attention from notable figures, including Tyrese Maxey, a star guard for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, who was among the sellout crowd at the 7,000-seat arena.
Coach Chris Koclanes praised Bueckers' ability to handle the spotlight, saying, "She's been fantastic. She's special in how she's able to handle things with such grace."
As the Wings look to build on this experience, Bueckers remains focused on growth and improvement, eager to leave her mark in the WNBA.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!