Just weeks after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers is already making herself at home in Dallas.
On Tuesday evening, the newly minted Dallas Wings guard made a surprise appearance at American Airlines Center for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets.
Paige Bueckers and KK Arnold cheer on Dallas Stars
Bueckers, joined by former UConn teammate KK Arnold, was seen rinkside in a Dallas Stars jersey, taking in the postseason atmosphere.
The outing comes just ahead of her much-anticipated WNBA debut on Friday, when the Wings face the Minnesota Lynx in Arlington.
Bueckers and Arnold recently capped off their college careers by leading UConn to another national championship, and their chemistry off the court remains strong.
Dallas fans quickly took to social media to celebrate Bueckers’ appearance at the game, where the Stars secured a 3-1 victory.
The team’s official account welcomed her with enthusiasm, posting, “SHE’S NUMBER 1! Welcome to Dallas, @paigebueckers1!”
Fans echoed the sentiment, crediting her presence for the team’s win and expressing excitement about her new role in the city’s sports landscape.
The Wings are entering the 2025 season with hopes of a turnaround after a disappointing 9-31 campaign last year.
With Bueckers leading the charge, there’s renewed optimism.
Known for her poise and all-around game, the former UConn star averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game during her final college season, shooting over 50% from the field and nearly 42% from beyond the arc.
Bueckers has acknowledged the challenges ahead for the young Dallas team but remains focused on long-term growth.
“You never want to get used to losing,” she said recently.
“But you want to get used to learning-from games, practices, whatever it may be-to make yourself and the team better.”
Her first professional test will come against the Lynx, a powerhouse that finished 30-10 last season.
It’s a big stage, but Bueckers seems more than ready.
And judging by her early interactions with Dallas fans, she’s already becoming a local favorite.
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