Paige Bueckers made a triumphant return to Connecticut, leading the Dallas Wings to their first victory of the season with a decisive 109-87 win over the Connecticut Sun.
Drafted first overall by the Wings, Bueckers had faced a challenging start to her professional career, losing her first four games. "I couldn't remember a longer losing streak," she admitted, but she was determined not to let it extend to five.
In a standout performance, Bueckers scored a season-high 21 points, showcasing her skills in front of a supportive crowd. "Felt great just to play like that as a team," she reflected. "That environment is special to me... It felt good to be out there."
This game marked a significant moment for Bueckers, who played in her home state for the first time since leading UConn to its 12th national championship two months prior. Just days earlier, she had played in Minnesota, where she grew up.
At Mohegan Sun Arena, where she had previously enjoyed an unbeaten record, Bueckers continued her winning streak. "I don't think I ever lost here," she noted, emphasizing her connection to the venue.
The atmosphere was electric as Bueckers received a warm welcome from the sellout crowd, many of whom donned her No. 5 jersey. The St. Teresa's basketball team cheered enthusiastically as she took the court.
Bueckers quickly made an impact, scoring seven points and dishing out four assists in the first quarter alone. By halftime, she had tallied 15 points, helping the Wings establish a 14-point lead.
"She just continues to do things that should be surprising but aren't," said Wings coach Chris Koclanes, praising her talent and character. "I take a step back to appreciate the type of player and person that she is."
Koclanes commended Bueckers for her mental approach and commitment to leadership as a rookie. "She wants to be a great leader and is investing time into developing those skills," he said. "Her high basketball IQ allows her to adapt quickly to the game’s physicality."
The Wings will face Connecticut again on June 20 for their second and final matchup of the season.
