The WNBA spotlight keeps getting brighter, and Monday night (May 19) in Arlington was another proof point. Paige Bueckers, after a quiet first outing by her high standards, returned to the court in a matchup full of promise and star power.
But this time, all eyes weren’t just on the rookies or veterans playing — they were also on two NBA giants sitting courtside. Victor Wembanyama and Dirk Nowitzki showing up was more than a simple presence. It was a statement about where the league is headed.
NBA Stars Courtside As Paige Bueckers and Skylar Diggins Battle in Texas
The WNBA’s Monday night matchup between the Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm brought in some serious star power. A video posted by the WNBA showed Spurs center Wembanyama and Mavericks icon Nowitzki enjoying the action from courtside seats.
The caption was simple: “A couple of hoopers sitting courtside 🙌”
A couple of hoopers sitting courtside 🙌
San Antonio Spurs 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and Dallas Mavericks Legend Dirk Nowitzki pulled up to watch the Dallas Wings take on the Seattle Storm! pic.twitter.com/RHANGspk1P
— WNBA (@WNBA)
It was a surreal moment for fans at the College Park Center. Wembanyama, still fresh off his Rookie of the Year campaign, and Nowitzki, a beloved Dallas figure who spent 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, watched closely as the Wings and Storm battled for their first win of the season.
Having NBA legends show up like this is no small thing—it sends a message. The WNBA isn’t just growing; it’s winning attention from those who understand the grind of greatness.
The Monday night clash at College Park Center carried weight. Both teams came in winless and hungry, but the storyline that turned heads was the matchup between Bueckers and Skylar Diggins — the prodigy vs. the proven. Add Nneka Ogwumike to that mix, and you get a game packed with talent, urgency, and meaning.
Dirk Nowitzki Believes Bueckers Is Built for the Big Stage
During the game, Nowitzki also shared his thoughts on what Bueckers brings to the Wings and to the WNBA overall. He acknowledged the adjustment Bueckers is facing. But that wasn’t the main takeaway. Dirk clearly sees something special in her.
“It’s going to take a while to, obviously, get used to the physicality in the WNBA, but I think [Bueckers has] got the talent. She’s going to be amazing for us.”
"I think [Paige Bueckers has] got the talent. She's gonna be amazing for us."
Dirk Nowitzki says Paige is going to be "tremendous" for the Dallas Wings 👏 pic.twitter.com/r9bTC069ZR
— ESPN (@espn)
He spoke like a proud supporter, and it makes sense. With Bueckers joining the Wings, fans in Dallas have every reason to be excited.
“She’s just going to get better from game to game, from season to season. You already can see now she’s gotten more comfortable out there from game one. She’s going to be tremendous for this organization for a long time.”
That improvement was easy to see. Bueckers looked far more settled in her second game, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. She shot 7-for-14 from the field, hit one of two from deep, and knocked down four of her five free throws in 37 minutes of action.
Even with her standout performance, the Wings couldn’t pull out the win, falling to the Storm 79–71. But there’s no question Bueckers is finding her stride, and Nowitzki is clearly a believer.
When legends talk like that, it’s not hype. It’s a belief. And it’s yet another sign that Bueckers and the WNBA are rising fast.
