The Dallas Wings’ visit to the Minnesota Lynx on Monday night was an emotional one for rookie guard Paige Bueckers.
Though Bueckers has stood out individually and is on pace to win WNBA Rookie of the Year, the Wings’ struggles continued in a 96-71 loss at Target Center. Dallas dropped to a league-worst 9-32 despite Bueckers’ team-high 17 points. The rookie has averaged 18.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games this season.
Minnesota (32-8) shot 55.4% from the field and 58.3% from 3-point range, led by 25 points from Napheesa Collier and a 25-point, 10-assist double-double from Natisha Hiedeman. Since joining the Lynx last month, DiJonai Carrington has averaged 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 11 games. She is averaging 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across the full season.
Paige Bueckers Reconnects With DiJonai Carrington
The matchup also marked a reunion for Bueckers and Carrington, who were dealt to Minnesota after a brief stint in Dallas.
Carrington, acquired in an offseason trade from the Connecticut Sun, made a lasting impact on the Wings’ rookie before the franchise pivoted to stockpile young players and draft assets.
“Basketball has a great way of connecting people and building relationships,” Bueckers said. “So we got extremely close. She kind of embraced who I was and my annoying side as a rookie. She just let me be me and let me annoy her, and we have a great relationship that way.”
Bueckers said she still relished competing against Carrington and the Lynx.
“Honestly, I just really enjoy competing against this Minnesota Lynx team,” Bueckers said. “They’re just like everything you want to be as a team, and just to compete against them … it’s fun.”
Focus on Growth and Leadership
Bueckers reflected on the game itself, noting the Wings’ competitive energy early but pointing to the need for consistency across 40 minutes.
“We were being aggressive, trying to disrupt and make things tough for them on the defensive end,” Bueckers said. “It’s just about continuing to do that for 40 minutes.”
She also praised the contributions of Amy Okonkwo, who has earned increased minutes in recent weeks.
“She’s just really smart. She’s a high-IQ player,” Bueckers said. “She came in and fit right into the system … she’s fearless. For her to take advantage of this opportunity has been great to see.”
As her rookie campaign nears its end, Bueckers emphasized growth beyond the stat sheet.
“Truly, I think my leadership ability and the way that I can use my voice,” she said. “I’ve gotten more confident in that … I know it’s hard as a rookie coming in, but I’ve continued to build that confidence throughout a long season.”
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
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- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Lose Luisa Geiselsöder for Season, Sign Ajae Petty to Hardship Deal
- WNBA News: “Just Our Level of Compete”: Dallas Wings Hang Close Early Before Falling to Minnesota Lynx
- WNBA News: “She’s Terrific in That Space”: Cheryl Reeve Praises Paige Bueckers Despite Dallas Wings’ Loss to Minnesota Lynx
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers Cleared to Play, Aziaha James Sidelined vs. Minnesota Lynx
- WNBA News: “We’ll Figure This Thing Out”: Paige Bueckers Echoes Stephen Curry in Message to Dallas Wings Fans
- WNBA News: “She Shows Up Every Night”: Cynthia Cooper Lauds Paige Bueckers’ Historic Rookie Season With Dallas Wings
- WNBA News: Inside Dallas Wings’ Navigation of Hardship Signings Amid Injury Crisis
- WNBA News: “Paige Will Be a Unifier”: Curt Miller Details Dallas Wings’ Roster Plan Around Paige Bueckers
