In a highly anticipated encounter, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers returned to her hometown, Minneapolis. Despite the fans’ fervor, the star had a mixed performance in the game.
Bueckers, who shined in high school and college at the Target Center, didn’t score his first point until the end of the first half of the game against the Lynx.
It’s incredible. The shots I made and the ones I missed… it was crazy.
Paige Bueckers
Bueckers’ return to Minneapolis, where she won the Gatorade National Player of the Year award and a state title, was a significant event. The city of Hopkins even changed its name to “Paige Bueckers, Minn.” and a local ice cream shop created a flavor in her honor, celebrating her WNBA debut after her success at UConn.
Bueckers emphasized that this environment did not distract her. She mentioned that her focus on the game was no different than any other game and that the team’s goals were the most important.
We’ve been talking, as a team, about being where our feet are and not really focusing on external things, but on what we want to be as an internal group and what we want to be as an organization, as a team. So I understand that going home is really great and it’s a great experience, but what we’re trying to build and what we’re trying to do from game to game is more important.
Paige Bueckers
During the game, Bueckers demonstrated both the skills that led her to be the number 1 WNBA draft pick and the challenges faced by rookies.
- She became the third player to achieve a double-double with points and assists in her first three games, according to league statistics.
- She made a key pass to NaLyssa Smith that helped the Wings take a 15-5 lead in the first half.
- She scored a crucial three-pointer to reduce Minnesota’s lead in the second half.
- She also had a missed shot in the final minute, reflecting her overall shooting struggles.
Paige Bueckers scored 12 points and 10 assists, becoming the third player to produce a double-double with points and assists in her first three WNBA games.
Despite the efforts of Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale (21 points, five assists), the Lynx, with their experience and talent, overcame the Wings, who are still searching for their identity at the start of the season.
I am proud of our effort and our response, and then trying to figure out how I can continue to help this team, help these players and help them feel more comfortable and continue to move forward at an accelerated pace.
Chris Koclanes, Dallas coach
Although Bueckers downplayed his homecoming as an obstacle, he admitted that the displays of affection and the atmosphere in a stadium he knows well were special.
You try to put everything in perspective and see all the girls and people in the stands and realize that that was you… What? 10, 15 years ago? And then you never take it for granted, how lucky we are to be able to play in this league and play at this level and be in this organization with this team. I am very grateful and you try to reflect that every time you play with the passion, joy and heart with which you play. So you take it and carry it with you wherever you go.
Paige Bueckers
