In an exciting encounter that marked the beginning of the season, two former UConn University stars, Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers, faced off in a duel full of expectations. Collier, with an outstanding performance, scored 34 points, surpassing Bueckers’ WNBA debut, who scored 10 points. The match took place in the game where the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Dallas Wings with a score of 99-84.
Collier tied the Lynx record for most points in an opening game. Courtney Williams contributed 25 points and nine assists in the victory.
Honestly, I’m more focused on something beyond the MVP. I want us to win a championship this year, so that’s what I’m focused on. The awards come later… I want to see a championship.
Napheesa Collier
Bueckers commented that she and Collier maintained “a good and friendly UConn chat” at certain points during the game, highlighting the relationship they share from their time at the Huskies and their joint participation in USA Basketball.
It’s extremely fun to play against Phee. She is the ultimate competitor and brings out the best in you because she is one of the best in the league. Being on the other side and wanting to beat us is fun too. I think that’s the ultimate sign of respect.
Paige Bueckers
Collier shined in the third quarter with 18 points, extending the Lynx’s lead to 15 points, while the Wings showed signs of fatigue.
Bueckers, for his part, stated that he does not get carried away by emotions, expressing his satisfaction for having played his first game in the WNBA.
You have to have a starting point. You have to have a base to build on. So we don’t want to overreact to the loss, but we also know there’s a lot of things to improve on.
Paige Bueckers
The two stars will have another chance to face each other on Wednesday, when the Wings travel to Minneapolis, about 10 kilometers from Bueckers’ hometown, Hopkins. In honor of her professional debut, Hopkins changed her name to “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” on Friday.
