Paige Bueckers returned to the WNBA like a storm, reminding everyone why she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
After missing four games, the Dallas Wings rookie dropped 35 points in a dazzling performance, tying Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career high. But even her heroics couldn’t snap the Wings’ losing streak.
Paige Bueckers’ Historic Return to the Dallas Wings Echoes Clark’s Rookie Brilliance
The Wings, looking for a win to end their losing streak, welcomed back Bueckers, who had been sidelined by a concussion and illness. Bueckers made a strong first impression as soon as the game started. She dismantled the Mercury’s defense, scoring 12 points in five perfect 5-for-5 shooting attempts in the first quarter of the game and quickly dispelling any rust or rhythm worries.
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
By halftime, Bueckers had already set a new personal best, pouring in 22 points. She was relentless, attacking from all angles and hitting three triples before the break. Her first-half explosion accounted for more than half of Dallas’ 36 points, keeping the Wings within striking distance despite their offensive struggles.
However, Satou Sabally’s 20 points brought the Mercury back in the third quarter. While Bueckers continued to score, Phoenix’s defense tightened, and the other Wings players struggled to find their game. The Mercury hit 15 three-pointers, getting a boost from Katija Laksa (14 points, four threes) and Kathryn Westbeld (11 points).
Bueckers finished her night with 35 points on a blistering 13-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-7 from deep, six rebounds, and four assists. Her performance tied Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career-high of 35 points.
When asked about her performance following the 35-point outburst against the Mercury, she reflected:
“I felt a little winded coming back from a break, and I feel like I could have used my voice more, been more disruptive, crashed the glass more. As I get my wind under me, I’ll be better in those areas. But like I said, just trying to contribute to winning and whatever that looks like on any given night—try to put your full effort towards that.”
I asked Paige Bueckers about her 35-point performance versus the Mercury tonight: pic.twitter.com/S30bXhFCnC
— Erika Day (@erikaleaday) June 12, 2025
Yet, the Wings fell 93-80, dropping to 1-10 on the season. Bueckers became just the fourth rookie in franchise history to score 30 or more in a game, but her brilliance was overshadowed by Dallas’ continued struggles.
Still, her electrifying return and record-tying night offered a glimpse of hope—and a tantalizing preview of future showdowns with Clark and the league’s brightest stars.
