“You’re Managing It at All Times”: Paige Bueckers Details Patellar Tendonitis Management Since High School

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers isn’t interested in taking nights off — even when her body might need it. After sitting out Saturday’s 79–71 win over the Washington Mystics, Bueckers returned to practice Tuesday and explained her ongoing battle with injury management in her first professional season.

“It’s difficult, but at the same time, I want to play 40 minutes,” Bueckers said. “I want to play every single game.”

That drive, however, is being measured against a broader reality. Bueckers revealed she’s been managing patellar tendonitis since high school — a chronic condition that requires daily maintenance and careful planning.

“I’ve been dealing with patellar tendonitis since I was in high school,” Bueckers said. “And it is in a sense where you’re managing it at all times. There’s no day where it probably doesn’t hurt.”

Paige Bueckers Taking Diligent Approach

Her absence from the Wings’ last game wasn’t about load management in the traditional sense, but rather a calculated decision after logging 38 minutes the night before. Without a scheduled off day or light practice in between, the team opted to rest her rather than risk further strain.

“It usually never feels great the day after the game,” Bueckers said. “But we usually either have an off day or a light practice day where I can recover. So to be in that situation, assuming I would have to play a lot of minutes or be managed again, we thought it was just the smart thing to do to rest and recover.”

Bueckers described a disciplined recovery regimen that includes manual therapy, cold tubs, red light therapy, and sauna work — all part of her approach to staying ready.

“I want to have a long career ahead,” Bueckers said. “So being smart in the fact of conserving my body, making sure I’m 100 percent before I step out on the floor — that’s the goal.”

Through her first WNBA season, Bueckers has shouldered a heavy workload. She’s averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks over 35.6 minutes per game — leading all rookies in minutes while operating as the Wings’ primary playmaker.

That workload was on full display Friday night against the Indiana Fever, where Bueckers delivered one of the most efficient performances of her young career. She scored 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. She added six assists, two steals, two blocks, and committed zero turnovers or personal fouls in 36 minutes — a near-flawless performance, though Dallas fell short 94–86.

Dallas Wings Carry Lengthy Injury Report

That responsibility has only grown with several key contributors sidelined. Tyasha Harris has been ruled out for the season due to a left knee injury. Maddy Siegrist remains out indefinitely with a right knee injury but has begun very light on-court work. Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb) is out, and DiJonai Carrington (rib) is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s matchup with the Phoenix Mercury. It remains to be seen if Myisha Hines-Allen (left ankle) can play either since she’s questionable.

Despite the pressure, Bueckers is focused on the process more than the results.

“You never want to get used to losing. But you also don’t want to get used to being result-oriented,” she said. “To be able to stick to my roots, stay grounded in what I’ve done to get here — I think that’s really been the reward so far.”

The Wings (5–13) will close out their four-game homestand Thursday night against the Phoenix Mercury. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at College Park Center.

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