DHJ Quick Take: Paige Bueckers Opens All-Star Weekend in Chicago
Paige Bueckers arrived in Chicago for her second WNBA All-Star Weekend, healthy after playing through Wednesday’s win over Portland following a scary collision the weekend before.
- What happened? Bueckers landed in Chicago Thursday and took part in orange carpet festivities ahead of the weekend.
- How’s she playing into it? She’s healthy, having cleared concussion protocol and scored 21 points in Wednesday’s win over Portland after a scary Sunday collision.
- What’s her role this weekend? She’s a team captain for the first time, drafting alongside Caitlin Clark for Saturday’s game.
- What’s next? Skills Night runs Friday, with the All-Star Game tipping off Saturday at the United Center.
CHICAGO — Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers heads into her second WNBA All-Star Weekend as a team captain, drafting a roster alongside Caitlin Clark ahead of Saturday’s game at the United Center in Chicago. She’s one of three Wings players in action this weekend: Azzi Fudd joins Friday’s Three-Point Contest at Wintrust Arena, and Jessica Shepard pairs with WNBA legend Deanna “Tweety” Nolan in the new Shooting Stars competition the same night.
Bueckers played through Wednesday’s 101-97 win over the Portland Fire, scoring 21 points after missing Monday’s loss to the New York Liberty with soreness stemming from a Sunday collision with Nneka Ogwumike, clearing the way for her to compete this weekend. Bueckers told Dallas Hoops Journal before Wednesday’s game that WNBA All-Star Weekend is similar to the experience at Unrivaled, providing a chance to be around so many people in one place.
“Honestly, just hanging out with people,” Bueckers told Dallas Hoops Journal. “It’s hard to see a lot of people throughout the season because everybody’s in different places, traveling everywhere. To be in one spot kind of reminds me of Unrivaled, where it felt like college because we were all in one place, hanging out, kicking it, and enjoying the experience. It’s a dream to be there and be surrounded by so many amazing women and people. I’m just grateful for that.”
In terms of predictions for All-Star Weekend, Bueckers is picking Fudd to win Friday’s Three-Point Contest.
“I mean, obviously I’m going to ride with Azzi,” Bueckers told Dallas Hoops Journal. “I have her as my pick. I’ve seen her do it since she was in high school, just dominate every three-point contest she’s been in, basically. So yeah, my money’s on her.”
This page will update throughout the orange carpet and WNBA Live, Skills Night and Saturday’s All-Star Game with Bueckers’ on- and off-court moments as they happen.
Thursday, July 23: Orange Carpet and WNBA Live
Bueckers struck a pose on the orange carpet Thursday evening, the league’s main account shared in a photo post.
Bueckers got into the gym with Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant.
The league posted a segment Thursday afternoon comparing Bueckers’ and Olivia Miles’ answers on what they’re most looking forward to this weekend.
The league marked Bueckers’ arrival in Chicago Thursday afternoon with a check-in-style graphic.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers Returns Against Portland Fire, Alanna Smith Out
- Sug Sutton On Finding Her Footing In Dallas Ahead Of First Game Back In Portland
- ‘We Took Them Down To The Wire’: Without Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings Refuse To Fold Against New York Liberty
- Dallas Wings Rookie Azzi Fudd Named To 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest As Lone Rookie In The Field
- ‘Didn’t Help Ourselves’: Arike Ogunbowale Scores 29, But Shorthanded Dallas Wings Fall To New York Liberty In Overtime, 99-98
- ‘We Don’t Panic’: Dallas Wings Defeat Los Angeles Sparks 90-82 For Franchise-Record Sixth Straight Win
