Paige Bueckers Makes WNBA Debut as Wings Fall to Aces in Preseason Opener: “Super Surreal”

The 2025 WNBA preseason tipped off with a highly anticipated matchup as the Dallas Wings faced the Las Vegas Aces at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, falling 112–78 in a game that showcased the league’s top rookie class and several championship-caliber veterans. The evening marked Paige Bueckers’ professional debut, Arike Ogunbowale’s return to her college home floor, and Chris Koclanes’ first game as head coach.

Dallas opened the game with a starting lineup of Bueckers, Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, NaLyssa Smith, and Teaira McCowan. It wasn’t until the Wings deployed plug-and-play lineups that momentum occurred, creating a 25–23 lead after the opening period. But the Aces quickly flipped the game open in the second quarter, using a 32–11 run to take control and build a 55–36 halftime lead. Las Vegas continued to separate in the third (32–27) and fourth quarters (25–15), closing out the preseason opener with authority.

Throughout the night, Dallas experimented with various lineup combinations, including extended small-ball stretches that featured Smith and Myisha Hines-Allen at the five. Those lineups emphasized tempo and spacing but left the Wings vulnerable on the boards. Las Vegas took advantage, finishing with a 40–28 rebounding edge and a 20–8 advantage in second-chance points.

The game turned decisively in the second quarter when the Aces shifted into a zone defense, crowding driving lanes and forcing Dallas into rushed decisions. The Wings struggled to generate clean looks or settle into an offensive rhythm, and the ball pressure led to a cascade of live-ball turnovers.

“What hurt us was just the live-ball turnovers,” said Koclanes. “Those steals — now, when you’re in transition, it’s really tough to be able to match up and get your defense set. You saw us kind of out there — it looked like we were lost, but a lot of it was off of steals, live-ball turnovers.”

Despite being outsized for stretches, the Wings showed flashes of what their up-tempo identity could become, outscoring the Aces 30–24 in the paint and 11–9 on the break. Turnovers, however, undercut much of that promise. Dallas committed 19, many of them live-ball miscues that led to fast-break points. The Aces capitalized efficiently at the line, making 22 of 25 free throws compared to Dallas’s 11 of 13.

Jackie Young and the Las Vegas Aces Shine on Familiar Floor

Aces guard Jackie Young made a memorable return to Notre Dame, lighting up her former home court for 28 points and eight three-pointers in under 30 minutes. Her hot shooting night was backed by A’ja Wilson’s 19-point, seven-rebound effort. Las Vegas had four starters finish in double figures and shot 48.7% from the field and 43.8% from deep as a team.

“It’s special playing here,” said Young. “I never thought I would play here again on this court. Being able to be here and play in front of my friends and family, it was special for sure.”

Young said she spent the offseason regaining her rhythm after battling injuries last year and at Unrivaled.

“I feel good. Obviously, I wasn’t myself most of last season, and so it took some time in the offseason to figure that out,” she said. “Still wasn’t myself at Unrivaled, but I think we’re finally back to where we need to be.”

Chelsea Gray credited veteran cohesion for the Aces’ sharp offensive execution.

“We have some vets out there who’ve played this game for a long time. So our chemistry is just going to come with conversation,” Gray said. “It’s also kind of familiar for those of us who’ve been in the system, and now we’re adding Jewell into it — she’s a really great basketball player.”

Aces head coach Becky Hammon emphasized that culture and accountability—not the scoreboard—were the focus of the night.

“When you’re building championship culture, the number one thing is character,” Hammon said. “That locker room holds each other accountable. They expect a lot from themselves and each other.”

Even with a comfortable lead, Hammon played her starters extended minutes to set the tone for the season.

“We’re trying to get better. I don’t care about the score. I care about whether the Aces are being the Aces,” she said. “Right now, we’re not in break mode—we’re in gas pedal mode.”

Paige Bueckers Begins Her WNBA Journey

Starting at guard in her WNBA debut, Bueckers logged a team-high 22 minutes and finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist. She looked composed from the outset, showcasing her vision and instincts while adapting to the elevated pace and physicality of the pro game.

“It’s super surreal, in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks ago to where I am today,” Bueckers said postgame. “Just soaking it up, enjoying every moment, getting used to new routines, traditions, new teammates, new organization, and just excited to play basketball again with this new group and continue to grow and get better every single day.”

With little time to fully prepare after the college season, Bueckers leaned on her foundation to navigate the jump.

“Honestly, there was not a lot of time to prepare,” she said. “But just leaning on what’s gotten me here and continuing to build off that.”

Going up against Las Vegas provided a real-time benchmark.

“You’re playing against, especially the Aces, five Olympic-level players and a great team and organization,” she said. “The pace, the flow of the game, the talent level — that’s what stood out.”

Asked where she most felt the adjustment, Bueckers pointed to screen defense.

“Definitely fighting over screens,” she said. “They’re a lot bigger. They’re a lot more physical. So screen navigation was definitely something that was different than college.”

Bueckers also addressed the weight of being the No. 1 pick and the media narrative surrounding expectations.

“I don’t really think about expectations,” she said. “I feel like that comes from an outside source. So just building with the team here, trying to get better every single day like I talked about every single time.”

She added: “Don’t set yourself to a ceiling of what you can achieve, but just try to be better and win the day.”

Supporting Dallas Wings Rookie Performances: JJ Quinerly, Aziaha James Shine Off the Bench

JJ Quinerly led all Wings scorers with 16 points, hitting 7-of-10 from the floor in 17 minutes. Her assertiveness and quickness gave Dallas a lift off the bench.

“She came in fearless,” Koclanes said. “You look out there, she’s tiny, but she plays way bigger. Her ability to impact the ball, and then you saw when she’s got the ball in her hand, she can get anywhere on the floor.”

Aziaha James also reached double digits, scoring 10 points in 15 minutes while remaining under control in her role.

“Coach always emphasized just being ready when your number’s called,” James said. “And when my number was called, I was ready — I was ready to feel the fire.”

James saw room for growth in her defensive technique and physicality.

“I feel like I showed it on all three levels — hitting the three, attacking, seeing open men on cuts,” she said. “But there’s a lot to improve on too — like fighting over screens and being more physical.”

Madison Scott (No. 14 pick) logged over six minutes but only registered a foul. Aaronette Vonleh, taken 31st overall, collected one rebound in nine minutes of floor time.

Dallas Wings Veterans Adjust to New Roles

Maddy Siegrist was steady in her minutes, scoring 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting and continuing to thrive off the ball with smart cuts and energy plays. She was praised in training camp for her activity level and athleticism, allowing her to slide over to the four, which she often did.

“Maddy was Maddy,” Koclanes said. “Her motor is impressive, and she’s just constant movement. She’s always putting pressure on the defense with her movement, and we expect her to have a big role for us.”

Arike Ogunbowale logged 22 minutes, scored five points, and dished out three assists in returning to Notre Dame, where she led the program to a national title in 2018. A crowd familiar with her legacy warmly welcomed her during pregame introductions. It’ll be a process as she adjusts to playing next to Bueckers, who is learning how to play point guard in the WNBA.

Carrington finished with six points and five rebounds in just under 17 minutes, but struggled with efficiency. She turned it over four times while relying on her four free throws to uplift her efficiency amid a 1-for-3 shooting night from the floor.

The Wings’ frontcourt rotation provided struggling results. McCowan was held without a rebound in roughly 14 minutes, totaling three points and one assist. While splitting time at power forward and small ball center, Smith was limited to eight points, three rebounds, and one assist. Meanwhile, Hines-Allen went scoreless in 11 minutes but added three rebounds and five assists.

Next Steps for Dallas

All 16 Wings players saw the floor, with 10 logging double-digit minutes. Bueckers and Ogunbowale shared the team-high with 22:37 played.

“It definitely wasn’t perfect,” Bueckers said. “But communication is one of the most important parts of basketball. We’ll keep getting more game reps, more practice reps, and that’ll lead to a lot more comfortability among everyone.”

The Wings return to the practice court on Sunday before facing the Japanese team, the Toyota Antelopes, in their second preseason contest on May 10.