Paige Bueckers is still undefeated at Mohegan Sun, and she’s making sure the WNBA knows she belongs. The No. 1 pick helped the Dallas Wings to an impressive 86-83 road victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night.
Bueckers led the way with 21 points, seven assists, and two steals, her fourth 20-point performance this season. She’s currently averaging 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game in the regular season.
But the adjustment to the pros hasn’t been without its challenges.
Paige Bueckers Opens Up About Adjusting to the WNBA
Fresh off Friday night’s win, Paige Bueckers didn’t hold back. She opened up about the weight she’s been carrying this season, the pressure, the noise, the learning curve. And how she’s managed expectations through it all.
“I didn’t really have any expectations coming in. I kind of just want to live each day for itself… Just trying to maximize what each day looks like… Be a part of the new organization, building relationships, friendships, and build chemistry,” Bueckers said.
“As far as expectations go I didn’t really have any. I knew it would be a tough adjustment coming into the league but my teammates and the whole coaching staff and everybody in the organization has done everything they could to make it as easy as possible.”
Paige Bueckers, who scored 20-plus points once again on Friday, on the transition from college to the WNBA:
“I didn’t really have any expectations coming in. I kind of just want to live each day for itself… Just trying to maximize what each day looks like… Be apart of the… pic.twitter.com/rF9GlPi2OU
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) June 21, 2025
She previously dropped 21 points against the Sun in their last meeting and scored a career-high 35 against the Phoenix Mercury earlier this month. Despite missing time with a concussion and illness, she now has as many 20-point games as all other rookies in the league combined.
Paige Bueckers has dropped 20+ points in back-to-back games, leading the Wings to two straight wins 🔥
She now has four 20-point games this season. The rest of the rookie class combined? Also four 😳 pic.twitter.com/AgEzAB52xK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 21, 2025
The former UConn standout has leaned on her support system in Dallas as she continues to settle in. Her performance on Friday also marked her first consecutive 20-point games in the league.
More: Paige Bueckers Receives a Warm Welcome at Connecticut During Wings’ Recent Game vs. Sun
Dallas Wings Snap Losing Streak While Connecticut’s Struggles Continue
The Wings (3-11) have now won two straight matches after a poor start to the season. Aziaha James had 17 points in her second career start. NaLyssa Smith, James, and Li Yueru added a combined 40 points to help Dallas outlast Connecticut.
Bueckers picked up her first technical foul in the pros during the win, clapping at an official after a mid-range jumper she believed should’ve been an and-one.
“I clapped twice and I said ‘And one!’ And he said I clapped in his face. So, that’s all,” Bueckers said postgame.
Paige Bueckers on her technical foul: “I clapped twice and I said ‘And one!’ And he said I clapped in his face. So, that’s all.”
— Maggie Vanoni (@maggie_vanoni) June 21, 2025
Nonetheless, she remained composed and stayed aggressive throughout. After the final buzzer, she spent time signing autographs for fans in Connecticut, the state she once dominated as a college star.
The Sun (2-11) have now dropped five straight games and are last in the league standings. Tina Charles led all scorers with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the slide. The two teams won’t meet again until later in the season when Dallas hosts Connecticut at College Park Center.
