Paige Bueckers ’ much-anticipated WNBA debut is finally in the books, and while it didn’t end in a storybook victory, it delivered everything from hometown pride to hard-learned lessons and a glimpse into her promising professional future as she begins to shape up her basketball journey in the league. And she has her father’s blessings. Post-match, Bueckers shared her thoughts on her debut match after a 99-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx .
Paige Bueckers gives a candid reflection on her debut match loss to the Minnesota Lynx
Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings faced the Minnesota Lynx, her home-state team, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft suited up for the Dallas Wings in front of a sellout crowd at College Park Center.
Bueckers, who opened the scoring for Dallas after rebounding her own miss and converting the putback, ended her debut night with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. It wasn’t a flawless performance. She shot 3-of-10 from the field and missed both of her three-point attempts.
“That’s crazy,” Bueckers said with a smile, during a pregame interview.
While Hopkins celebrated their hometown girl, Bueckers, the Lynx were all business. Former UConn star and current Minnesota veteran Napheesa Collier poured in 34 points, leading the 2024 WNBA runners-up to a convincing 99-84 win. A brief moment of levity came when Bueckers, caught defending Collier in the post, fouled her, and the two shared a laugh at the free throw line.
“Just a good ol’ UConn friendly chat,” Bueckers quipped.
Still, the night was emotional for those closest to her. Bueckers’ father was seen teary-eyed before tipoff, proud of his daughter’s achievement.
“The first one’s always the hardest, usually,” Bueckers admitted. “Not to say that it won’t get harder, but just being able to have a starting point and continuing to build off that. And then there’s no more questions about what is it going to be like for your first WNBA game . Now you have move on past that.”
Head coach Chris Koclanes praised her mindset, noting how well she handles pressure:
“Credit to Paige, she individually comes in with an incredible amount of personal attention… it matched up well with our style and what we’re trying to create with the type of person she is already.”
Bueckers gave her thoughts on the transition from college to the main league, “The fours are a lot bigger than the fours I’ve had to guard in college,” she said, laughing.
Also Read: “Yeah, I started crying” — Emotional Paige Bueckers' dad fights tears watching her WNBA debut with Dallas Wings
“You get to the point where you’ve reached your dreams, and then you want to take off with it and see what you can do with it,” she added. “Just getting to the dream is not enough. Continue to build on that.”
Bueckers is certainly focused and looking to secure her next big highlight moment.
Paige Bueckers gives a candid reflection on her debut match loss to the Minnesota Lynx
Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings faced the Minnesota Lynx, her home-state team, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft suited up for the Dallas Wings in front of a sellout crowd at College Park Center.
🚨 PAIGE BUECKERS FIRST WNBA POINTS 🚨
— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2025
📺 IONpic.twitter.com/NK0BiCdxi3
Bueckers, who opened the scoring for Dallas after rebounding her own miss and converting the putback, ended her debut night with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. It wasn’t a flawless performance. She shot 3-of-10 from the field and missed both of her three-point attempts.
“That’s crazy,” Bueckers said with a smile, during a pregame interview.
While Hopkins celebrated their hometown girl, Bueckers, the Lynx were all business. Former UConn star and current Minnesota veteran Napheesa Collier poured in 34 points, leading the 2024 WNBA runners-up to a convincing 99-84 win. A brief moment of levity came when Bueckers, caught defending Collier in the post, fouled her, and the two shared a laugh at the free throw line.
“Just a good ol’ UConn friendly chat,” Bueckers quipped.
Still, the night was emotional for those closest to her. Bueckers’ father was seen teary-eyed before tipoff, proud of his daughter’s achievement.
That’s a veteran move from the rookie 👀
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025
Real pro bucket from Paige Bueckers.
WNBA Tip-Off presented by @CarMax | ION pic.twitter.com/CK0qQmaOQG
“The first one’s always the hardest, usually,” Bueckers admitted. “Not to say that it won’t get harder, but just being able to have a starting point and continuing to build off that. And then there’s no more questions about what is it going to be like for your first WNBA game . Now you have move on past that.”
Head coach Chris Koclanes praised her mindset, noting how well she handles pressure:
“Credit to Paige, she individually comes in with an incredible amount of personal attention… it matched up well with our style and what we’re trying to create with the type of person she is already.”
Bueckers gave her thoughts on the transition from college to the main league, “The fours are a lot bigger than the fours I’ve had to guard in college,” she said, laughing.
Also Read: “Yeah, I started crying” — Emotional Paige Bueckers' dad fights tears watching her WNBA debut with Dallas Wings
“You get to the point where you’ve reached your dreams, and then you want to take off with it and see what you can do with it,” she added. “Just getting to the dream is not enough. Continue to build on that.”
Bueckers is certainly focused and looking to secure her next big highlight moment.
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