Paige Bueckers’ rookie season has been nothing short of a movie. As Bueckers started off slow, strong performances from Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron saw her grip on the Rookie of the Year title slipping.
Although the months that followed saw Bueckers establish her place in the league, the Dallas Wings guard solidified it last night as she tied the WNBA rookie scoring record set by Cynthia Cooper in the league’s inaugural season.
While Kelsey Plum’s game-winning shot might have robbed the Wings of a well-fought win, Bueckers still swept the headlines on her career night. And being the humble superstar she is, Bueckers shared the spotlight with her teammates.
What did Paige Bueckers say about the Dallas Wings’ season?
After the game, Bueckers admitted the loss stung like any other, but appreciated her team’s resilience in what has been a rather unlucky season in Dallas.
“I’ve always prided myself and the team on winning so that’s obviously the main goal. Honestly, I think I’m just most proud of this team, like, the way we fight… This team just means so much to me,” said Bueckers.
PAIGE BUECKERS TONIGHT 🔥
• 44 POINTS
• 4 REBOUNDS
• 3 ASSISTS
• 4/4 3PM
• 17/21 FG
• 36 MINUTES PLAYEDpic.twitter.com/DGO17QLZ9t— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) August 21, 2025
She added, “The way we love each other, like, it could be easy for us to sit here and be nine in whatever we are and be miserable and hate coming to work, but just how we show up for each other, we’re learning and growing together.”
Although a rebuilding season seldom translates to a successful one in the standings, Bueckers’ arrival this summer lit a ray of Playoff hope in fans. But with the Wings’ heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas’ return to the postseason will have to wait another season.
However, even in the face of a crushing loss, Bueckers pointed to the silver lining as she looked to the future. “As much as success and the wins haven’t translated yet, what we’re building here, it just makes me so happy. I’m just super grateful for it,” she said.
Read More: Wings Star Paige Bueckers’ Historic WNBA Night Spoilt After Last-Minute Loss to Sparks
With another solid performance, the Rookie of the Year is surely a lock for Bueckers. While the UConn alum’s competitive nature would continue to haunt her this offseason, the Wings’ young squad sure looks like they will return strong next season.
Wings are tied with the Seattle Storm for most clutch losses this season, as the loss against the Sparks means they’ve lost 13 such games. It is clear that while Wings might not be a championship contender just yet, their squad does not lack quality by any standards.
Although the season might have disappointed, the team’s resolve, paired with Bueckers’ desire to build in Dallas, points to a bright future. But for now, the Wings will focus on the season’s final eight games as they look to end on a high note.
