Paige Bueckers recently returned to WNBA action after a four-game absence. She missed three games while in concussion protocol and one additional game due to an unspecified illness. And when she dropped a career-high 35 points just after her return, it carried real emotional weight. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to lift her team to victory, even though she played exceptionally.
But her former UConn teammate, Nika Mühl, wasn’t having that loss. She didn’t take a long caption to capture the moment — just dropped a simple two-word reaction.
Former UConn Teammate Reacts to Paige Bueckers’ Dominant 35-Point Performance
Bueckers was completely dominant in her return, dropping 35 points, hitting five threes, and adding rebounds and assists. Nineteen of those points came in the first half alone. This was her “redemption game” after missing time due to a concussion and illness, and she more than delivered individually.
PAIGE BUECKERS TONIGHT 🔥
• 35 POINTS
• 6 REBOUNDS
• 4 ASSISTS
• 5/7 3PM
• 13/19 FG
• 37 MINUTES PLAYED— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) June 12, 2025
But the Dallas Wings’ 93–80 loss didn’t allow the moment to shine as brightly as it deserved. With this defeat, the Wings’ record dropped to 1–10, one of the most alarming starts to a season in recent memory. It underscores just how much pressure is on Bueckers to carry the team.
Looking at the rest of the roster, the supporting cast combined for only 55 points. That’s a clear indication the team is relying heavily on her, which is concerning. So even though she posted a season-high performance, it’s hard to say she’s truly enjoying her campaign.
However, her former UConn teammate, Nika Mühl, wasn’t focused on the Wings’ overall struggles. Mühl, currently sidelined for the season with an ACL injury, shared a clip on her Instagram Story showing Bueckers drilling a deep three-pointer. It was her final bucket to complete her first 30-piece in the league. She simply captioned it: “C’mon now.”
Even veteran opponents took notice of Bueckers. Mercury stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally praised Bueckers’ poise and elite shot-making. “We’ve seen her do it at UConn for so long,” Thomas said. “She’s been coming to Connecticut games for a minute or two. Just very calm out there — she controls the game so well. Sky’s the limit for her.”
While the Wings extended their losing streak to six games after falling to the Phoenix Mercury, Bueckers was electric throughout the match. You’d never guess it was her first game back after missing four due to a concussion and illness.
She shot 13-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. With each and every shot, she reminded everyone why she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.