No one in Dallas – not fans, coaches, or teammates – expected to see Paige Bueckers sitting on the bench. The Wings’ rookie sensation, fresh off a demanding college run with UConn, was sidelined as a precaution, with the team being careful not to push her body too soon. Still, for those in the arena or tuning in from home, seeing Bueckers off the court was not part of the plan.
Bueckers turns cheer mode all the way up
But Paige, being Paige, turned the bench into her own kind of stage. She wasn’t just spectating – she was coaching, cheering, and flat-out entertaining. From over-the-top arm waves to sideline strange moves that had more flair than a halftime show, Bueckers brought the energy in a way only she can. She might not be racking up stats that night, but she was still going to impact the game.
What started as precaution turned into performance. Bueckers hyped her teammates with such animated antics you’d think she was leading a one-woman pep rally. Waving like she was directing airport traffic, Paige made sure everyone – teammates, fans, and even the broadcast cameras – knew she was locked in and living every second of the game.
And while her moves may have stolen the spotlight, they were never just for show. Her sideline presence wasn’t just comedy – it was commitment. She coached from the bench, encouraged every hustle play, and poured her energy into the team’s success.
The Wings need her – and they know it
As Dallas grinds through a brutal stretch of five games in eight days (six in 11), with a depleted roster battling injuries, the absence of Bueckers on the floor is felt deeply. She was brought in to add spark, skill, and that signature Bueckers brilliance – and she’s delivered. Leading all rookies in scoring and ranking top 10 in the league in both assists and steals, she’s just two thefts away from breaking into the Wings’ all-time rookie top 10 in steals.
If she keeps this pace, her 1.8 steals per game would be the best mark for a WNBA rookie since Napheesa Collier in 2019. That kind of presence isn’t easy to replace – and Dallas knows it. In true Paige fashion, she’s finding ways to lead whether she’s lacing up or not. The fans may come for her game, but they’re staying for her heart – and apparently, her sideline choreography. Until she’s back lighting it up on the court, trust that Bueckers will keep doing what she does best: making sure everyone around her rises to the occasion.
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