The Dallas Wings have hit a rough patch, dropping five straight games to fall to 8-24. Their most glaring issue has been an inability to finish close to the basket, a problem that has frustrated head coach Chris Koclanes.
“You demand it of them,” Koclanes said after the team’s latest loss. “At the end of the day, we’re pros and we’ve gotta go finish around the rim.” Teammate Haley Jones suggested that rushed shots may be part of the problem, but the result has been the same – missed opportunities and mounting defeats.
Amid the struggles, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers has been a lone bright spot. In the Wings’ 91-78 loss to the Washington Mystics, she scored 17 points to extend her record-breaking start to the season.
Bueckers is on pace to claim Rookie of the Year honors, becoming the fastest first-year player in league history to reach 450 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists, and the only WNBA player this season to record double-digit points in every game.
A mindset built on embracing the journey
For many rookies, leading a team through a season like this could be demoralizing. Bueckers, however, has adopted a perspective that helps her stay balanced.
“You can appreciate the success because you’ve appreciated the failures,” she said in a recent iHeartRadio interview. “You can’t skip a step… it’s just a beautiful, a beautiful way of life to just appreciate everything that gets thrown your way.”
Her philosophy has helped her navigate the challenges of a demanding rookie campaign. But the recent string of defeats has tested even her patience.
After the Mystics game, her usual composure gave way to a more pointed message. “I mean, there’s only so much we can talk about,” she said. “We’ve had these conversations almost after every game. So, right now it’s all about action.”
Holding teammates accountable while offering support
Despite voicing her frustrations, Bueckers continues to publicly support her teammates. In that same press conference, she praised Grace Berger‘s effort and impact on the court.
“She just plays with the effort that you really can’t teach,” Bueckers said. “She just makes a positive impact on the basketball game, regardless of made or missed shots.”
Balancing high standards with encouragement has become a hallmark of Bueckers‘ approach. She challenges the team to improve while making sure individuals feel valued – an impressive trait for a player in her first professional season.
While Dallas may be headed for a tough finish in the standings, Bueckers‘ consistency, leadership and maturity provide hope for the future. For now, her ability to shine in the middle of a difficult year is proof that the Wings have found a star capable of changing their fortunes.
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