The anticipation inside College Park Center was unmistakable on Saturday afternoon as Paige Bueckers made her home preseason debut for the Dallas Wings. The top overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft immediately gave fans a glimpse of her star potential.
Facing Japan’s Team Toyota Antelopes in a preseason exhibition, the Wings delivered a resounding 119-52 blowout victory, and Bueckers was at the heart of it all. The former UConn standout looked unfazed by the bright lights and expectations, showcasing a complete skill set that had the Dallas crowd on its feet.
The rookie guard made her presence felt from the opening tip. She played with pace and poise, seemingly dictating the flow of the game with her passing, rebounding, and shot selection. Bueckers finished the contest with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-2 from three-point range and 2-of-3 from the free throw line in 22:38 minutes of action.
She also chipped in five rebounds, six assists, and a block, wrapping up her night with a staggering plus-minus of +40.
A star in the making shows she’s ready for the big stage
The synergy between Bueckers and veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale stood out as one of the biggest takeaways from the Wings’ performance. The two backcourt players played off each other beautifully, creating open looks and playing with an unselfishness that turned a preseason game into a highlight reel.
By halftime, Bueckers had already made her mark-recording nine points on 4-of-6 shooting, four rebounds, and six assists in just over 15 minutes of court time. Even with Dallas building a commanding lead, she continued to attack in the third quarter, tacking on six more points before sitting out the fourth.
The performance marked a major confidence boost not only for the Wings but also for Bueckers herself as she prepares to lead a franchise eager for a turnaround. With veteran help around her and a coaching staff willing to give her the keys early, the rookie’s transition to the pros already looks ahead of schedule.
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