The Paige Bueckers era in the WNBA has officially begun, but the start did not go as many fans had hoped. She was the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Wings, brought in with massive expectations and a glowing college resume.
Her draft night viewership pulled over 1.25 million people, one of the highest ever for the WNBA. She was seen as the next Caitlin Clark, a new face for the league. But her debut on Friday, May 16, was quiet. And fans had a lot to say.
This wasn’t just a rookie having a slow start. This was a national conversation. From brutal social media takes to supportive voices asking for patience, Bueckers became the story of opening night for all the right and wrong reasons. The spotlight on Bueckers is now hotter than ever.
Fans Split After Quiet Debut From No. 1 Pick Paige Bueckers
When Bueckers stepped on the court Friday night, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter for the WNBA. She’s already been pitched as the next face of the league, right alongside Caitlin Clark. But against the Minnesota Lynx, Bueckers didn’t exactly explode out of the gates.
She finished with 10 points, going just 3-of-10 from the field. Her two 3-point attempts didn’t fall, and while she grabbed seven rebounds and dished out two assists, the performance felt tame. Especially when lined up against fellow UConn alum Napheesa Collier, who completely took over the game.
Collier’s stat line speaks volumes of her experience – 34 points on 12-of-21 shooting, eight made free throws, and some serious veteran control on the court. She made it clear that experience still has its place in a league now buzzing with new talent. And that contrast triggered some sharp reactions online.
“Biggest bust in history,” one fan posted, wasting no time in dropping a heavy verdict.
Biggest Bust in history.
— Patrick W. Cutler (@PatrickWCutler)
That comment stirred up debate, especially given how high the expectations were. Bueckers is used to pressure. She’s been in the spotlight since high school. But Friday’s outing wasn’t just about numbers; it was about how flat the performance felt compared to the build-up.
Another fan chimed in, “Looked mid and overrated tbh. I know it’s the first game but saw nothing special.”
looked mid and overrated tbh i know its the first game but saw nothing special
— HumbleForever (@DaRealSkeet)
And the disappointment kept rolling in.
“Looks very meh. Definitely doesn’t look like a number 1 pick off that 1st game,” another viewer wrote.
Looks very meh. Definitely doesn’t look like a number 1 pick off that 1st game.
— YOxHANK (@oRONTURNER)
Still, not everyone was ready to jump ship after one performance. Some fans came to Bueckers’ defense, pointing out that not every superstar lights it up immediately.
“Was people expecting her to score 30 points in her first game,” one fan asked, poking fun at the overreactions.
Was people expecting her to score 30 points in her first game?
— JJ🎮 (@Bloodhoundstan)
Truth is, Bueckers did show flashes. She scored her first bucket after a smooth crossover, missed the initial layup, grabbed her own rebound, and converted the second-chance shot. Her first assist came on a dime to Dijonai Carrington for a 3-pointer that gave Dallas the lead in the third.
But on a night where the Wings needed a spark, Collier’s veteran presence stole the show.
“She’s gon’ be fine. She’s a naturally smooth basketball player. Clever too,” another fan said, putting faith in Bueckers’ long-term game.
Shes gon b fine..shes a naturally smooth bball player. Clever too..
— LeeFordHere (@TheGame7Guy)
And some were just keeping it simple. “She’ll be aight. She’s tough,” one person wrote.
She’ll be aight… she’s tough
— James Hellams (@Jamieh711)
To be fair, even WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark had a shaky debut last season. She scored 20 points, sure, but also had 10 turnovers, the most in WNBA history, and shot just 5-of-15. The leap from college to pro is real.
So while Bueckers didn’t exactly explode out of the gate, she’s still got time and talent on her side. Opening night might not have belonged to her, but the season is just getting started.
