Paige Bueckers didn’t play in the Dallas Wings’ recent 106-80 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, but her appearance on the bench, wearing spectacles, grabbed attention. Even the commentators took notice of the All-Star guard’s new look, with some saying she resembled a librarian or professor.
How Did Paige Bueckers’ Glasses Comment Go Viral?
Bueckers’ spectacles became the center of attention during the fourth quarter of the Wings vs. Aces game. Teaira McCowan entered the game for Grace Berger with the score at 73-58 in favor of the Aces. At the 9:40 mark, Aziaha James missed a two-point shot, but McCowan secured an offensive rebound.
She then missed a two-point attempt at 9:38, only to grab another offensive rebound. A shooting foul by Megan Gustafson at 9:36 gave McCowan two free throw opportunities, both of which she successfully converted.
Bueckers felt the foul call on Gustafson was unwarranted. She immediately rose from the bench and asked the referee, “You want my glasses?”
Paige Bueckers after disagreeing with the refs call 💀
“You want my glasses?”
(h/t @hcscar)pic.twitter.com/xvEuQuyULZ
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 27, 2025
The moment quickly went viral, with fans praising Bueckers’ quick wit and her willingness to challenge the officials even from the sideline.
Why Was Bueckers Sidelined Against the Aces?
Bueckers did not play against the Aces because the team decided to rest her as part of a load management plan. This marked her first official absence this season, attributed to rest, a decision prompted by the Wings’ demanding schedule.
Coach Chris Koclanes pointed out Bueckers’ heavy workload, averaging 34.6 minutes per game among the highest in the WNBA, as one of the reasons for her absence. Additionally, she has dealt with knee issues, including patellar tendinitis, since high school, making rest crucial for her long-term health.
The Wings’ loss to the Aces was their seventh in the last eight games. They are in the bottom half of the standings, with only the Connecticut Sun having an inferior win-loss record.
Despite the team’s struggles, Bueckers has been performing well in her debut season and remains on course to win the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. The 23-year-old is currently averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.
How Is Bueckers Navigating Her Rookie Season?
In her last outing against the Golden State Valkyries, which the Wings lost 86-76, Bueckers impressed with 17 points, six assists, and four steals. After the game, Bueckers made history, becoming the first WNBA player to total 350 or more points and 100 or more assists in the first 20 games of their career.
Following the game, a reporter asked Bueckers how she’s experiencing her first season in the WNBA after the Wings selected her first in the 2025 draft.
“It’s been fun,” Bueckers said. “Really rewarding just embracing the new challenge, finding myself within the new organization, finding myself within the team, building new relationships, embracing a new city, and just trying to build every single day.”
“This is where we all dreamed of being as a kid. So, just to embrace that dream, enjoy it, and be present, it’s been really fun,” she added.
Up next for Bueckers and the Wings is a matchup against the New York Liberty, who have the second-best record in the league. After missing the recent game against the Aces, Bueckers will feature in the upcoming matchup, giving fans another chance to see the rookie sensation in action.
