The Dallas Wings have had a rough season in the WNBA, sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 9-31 record. However, despite the team’s struggles, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers continues to shine and remains hopeful for the future.
After a tough 100-78 loss to the Atlanta Dream, Bueckers delivered an optimistic message to her team, echoing the words of NBA legend Stephen Curry.
Bueckers, who has been one of the few bright spots for Dallas, used a quote from Curry’s early career to encourage her teammates.
“I remember Steph Curry, before the Warriors became the Warriors,” she said. “He tweeted out like, ‘Just stick with us. We’re going to figure it out.’ That’s the message… I just have this undying belief in it.”
These words are a nod to Curry’s own struggles early in his career with the Golden State Warriors. As the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry faced a series of challenges during his early years in the league. The Warriors didn’t post a winning record until Curry’s fourth season.
Yet, his leadership and growth helped turn Golden State into a dynasty, ultimately capturing four NBA championships between 2015 and 2022. His persistence paid off, and now the Warriors stand as one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, with seven championships and ten Finals appearances.
While it’s difficult to predict whether the Wings will achieve similar success, Bueckers’ unwavering belief in her team mirrors Curry’s mindset. The Wings have had their own moments of success in the past, most notably winning three championships as the Detroit Shock.
But the team’s only winning season in recent years came in 2023, when they finished 22-18 and advanced to the WNBA semifinals. This year, however, has been a different story as they’ve struggled to find consistency.
A stellar rookie campaign despite team struggles
Even in the face of adversity, Bueckers has been a standout rookie. She arrived in the WNBA with high expectations after leading UConn to a national championship, and although the focus for her rookie year was always personal growth over wins and losses, her numbers have been impressive.
Bueckers has already made history, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 100 assists. She’s also the quickest to record 50 rebounds in her debut season.
On August 21, she put up an astonishing 44 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, tying the record for the most points by a rookie in a single game. Her consistent performance has made her the clear favorite for the league’s Rookie of the Year award.
Despite the Wings’ elimination from playoff contention, Bueckers’ ability to thrive in tough circumstances signals a bright future for both her and the Dallas franchise.
With four regular-season games remaining, including an upcoming matchup against the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx, the Wings remain determined to build on their young talent. Though the path to success may take time, Bueckers’ leadership and resilience suggest that the team is on the right track.
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