After taking a hard hit to the head during a foul by Courtney Vandersloot on May 29, 2025, Paige Bueckers entered concussion protocol and missed four games. She was cleared to return just before June 9 but sat out the June 8 game due to an unrelated illness.
Since returning to the court, Bueckers has been in top form. Over her last five games, she’s averaged 22.2 points per game, including a career-high 35-point performance on June 11.
As the team prepares for tonight’s matchup, all eyes are on Bueckers’ status. Will she be in the lineup?
Will Paige Bueckers Play Against Atlanta Dream Tonight?
Bueckers has been cleared to play tonight following careful management of her minutes by Coach Koclanes. Both she and the team are focused on balancing performance with long-term health, aiming to ease the workload while ensuring she’s available for key moments. Over the past five games, she has averaged between 36 and 38 minutes, part of an effort to manage stamina and minimize injury risk.
Since being cleared from concussion protocol, she has followed a strict regimen of medical monitoring, recovery routines, and conditioning. While the Atlanta Dream may pose defensive challenges for the Wings, Bueckers appears ready to meet them. Reports indicate she will play without a minutes restriction.
PAIGE BUCKETS HAS RETURNED 👑
Bueckers hit a career-high upon her return from concussion protocol in Wings-Mercury. pic.twitter.com/FDODcgp6ik
— espnW (@espnW) June 12, 2025
Even as a rookie, Bueckers has quickly established herself as a key piece of the team. Without her, Dallas has struggled to find its rhythm. Through 11 games, she is one of only two guards in the WNBA averaging at least 18 points per game while shooting over 46% from the field. She continues to hit major milestones without showing signs of pressure.
In just her third career game, she recorded her first double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. Her season-high 35-point performance, on the same day she returned from injury, was a clear reminder of what she’s capable of when fully healthy.
Among her other achievements, she’s the fastest player to reach 20 career steals since 2012, the second fastest guard in the league to reach 10 blocks, and the fastest player to reach over 200 points, 50+ rebounds, and 50+ assists.
Then, compared to all rookies, Bueckers has the most 20-point games this season.
Bueckers is overall averaging 18.2 points, 5.9 assists, 2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game to lead the Wings’ cause. She’s also contributed 4.5 rebounds every game, ranking the most in almost every category. By all means, she’s a deserving favorite to become the Rookie of the Year.
The Dream travel to Dallas to take on Bueckers and the Wings with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
