The comparisons between Paige Bueckers and Diana Taurasi have followed the Dallas Wings rookie since her UConn days. Both guards wore the same Huskies jersey, both caught the eye of legendary coach Geno Auriemma, and both entered the WNBA with sky-high expectations. But not everyone buys into the parallel.
Why Does Alyssa Thomas Reject the Paige Bueckers-Diana Taurasi Comparison?
On Tuesday, Alyssa Thomas’ Phoenix Mercury destroyed Bueckers’ Wings in their WNBA matchup 102-72. Thomas put up a triple-double while Sami Whitcomb turned back the clock with a 36-point performance that helped seal the blowout victory.
Before the game, Jenna Ortiz interviewed Thomas and asked about the ongoing Bueckers-Taurasi comparison that has dominated WNBA discussions. Thomas didn’t hold back with her thoughts on the matter.
“I mean, I don’t like to compare anybody,” Thomas replied. “I think everybody brings their own flare to it. Paige has her own style to it, especially as a rookie. She plays so poised, calm, and knows how to get to her spots.”
Alyssa Thomas told @jennarortiz that she doesn’t want to compare Paige Bueckers and Diana Taurasi’s respective games.
“I think everybody brings their own flare to it… she (Paige) plays so poised, calm, and knows how to get to her spots.” pic.twitter.com/XnI29tdSBs
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) July 6, 2025
The comparison debate extends beyond just Thomas’ perspective. Taurasi isn’t the only player Bueckers gets compared to these days. Ironically, Taurasi herself has compared Bueckers to Indiana Fever’s 2024 Rookie of the Year winner Caitlin Clark. However, Taurasi’s close friend and fellow UConn alumnae Sue Bird didn’t agree with that comparison either.
What Did Bueckers Reveal About Her Relationship With Taurasi?
The game itself didn’t go well for Bueckgoogle.com/searchers and the Wings. They couldn’t mount any significant offense and lost by 30 points. In 24 minutes of action, Bueckers managed just 11 points, three assists, and two rebounds.
Following the disappointing performance, an interviewer asked Bueckers whether she had reached out to Taurasi for advice on adjusting to the WNBA. Her response revealed the depth of their connection.
“Yeah, just obviously having that UConn connection, I’ve been knowing her since my career there. And she just, we have each other’s phone number. She’s just open and willing to talk to me whenever, if I have questions, if I need advice, um, just if I’m seeking her wisdom, um, she’s always there and she’s a big, big supporter of me,” Bueckers said.
The rookie guard made it clear she values that relationship and doesn’t take it lightly. “So I’m never taking that for granted, and I’m never not going to take advantage of that, having that relationship. So I really look up to her, and I’ve looked up to her since I was young, and so I’m grateful to have that relationship,” she added.
The Wings face a crucial stretch ahead as they prepare to take on the Chicago Sky on Thursday. Currently sitting 11th in the standings with just six victories in 20 WNBA games, Dallas finds itself in a tough spot. Despite their poor overall record, they have managed to split their wins and losses over their last 10 games.
For the Wings to have any shot at the playoffs, they need to turn things around quickly. As a rookie, Bueckers faces the challenge of shouldering significant responsibility for the team’s postseason hopes. Whether she can live up to the Taurasi comparisons or forge her own path remains to be seen.
