The Dallas Wings, sitting at a dismal 9-26 and 11th in the WNBA standings are clinging to faint playoff hopes alongside the Connecticut Sun (6-27) and Chicago Sky (8-25), the only teams with fewer than 10 wins. The Washington Mystics, holding ninth place, boast standout rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, but it’s Dallas’ Paige Bueckers who leads the race for Rookie of the Year. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, fresh off a national championship with UConn, Bueckers has scored in double digits in all 28 of her WNBA games this season, a feat unmatched league-wide.
If she sustains this streak, she’ll join Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper and three-time MVP A’ja Wilson as the only rookies in WNBA history with no single-digit scoring games. Despite the Wings’ struggles, Bueckers’ historic campaign keeps them in the spotlight, with her girlfriend, UConn star Azzi Fudd, cheering her on.
Azzi Fudd Praises Bueckers’ Selflessness and Loyalty
Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend and former UConn teammate, recently shared insights into their relationship on the Close Friends Only with Instagram podcast. The couple, who first met at the 2017 USA Women’s U16 National Team tryouts and later played together at UConn, have grown more open about their bond since Bueckers’ draft to the WNBA. When asked what she admires most about Bueckers, Fudd initially teased, calling her “annoying” and poking fun at her occasional mascara mishaps.
But on a deeper note, Fudd highlighted Bueckers’ selflessness, saying, “You’re super giving, always putting others first while still taking care of yourself. You’re super loyal and make sure to look out for those who matter most.” Their connection, forged through elite high school and college basketball, adds a personal layer to Bueckers’ standout rookie season, with Fudd’s support shining through as the Wings navigate a tough year.
Can Bueckers Lead a Late-Season Surge for Dallas?
Paige Bueckers’ rookie season rivals Caitlin Clark’s remarkable 2024 campaign, but with nine games left, her performance could define the Dallas Wings‘ fate. The team faces a critical stretch, starting with a road game against the Los Angeles Sparks, followed by three home games against the Seattle Storm, Golden State Valkyries, and Connecticut Sun. Winning three of these four could keep playoff hopes alive, especially if other results align.
If Dallas continues to struggle, Bueckers’ freedom to play without postseason stakes might unlock even more spectacular performances, cementing her as a top rookie. As the Wings fight for relevance, Bueckers remains the cornerstone of their season, carrying the team’s hopes into their final games.
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