Before a packed crowd of 6,251 at College Park Center, former UConn standout Paige Bueckers made a dazzling home debut with the Dallas Wings. The top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft impressed in just 23 minutes of action, putting up 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds, helping the Wings cruise to a 119–52 win over Japan’s Toyota Antelopes in their final preseason game.
Playing in Arlington for the first time, Bueckers showed immediate on-court chemistry with star guard Arike Ogunbowale, sharing sharp passes and teaming up on a highlight-worthy assist that had the crowd buzzing.
“Paige makes the game easier,” Ogunbowale said after the game. “She sees everything even when you think she doesn’t. That highlight was crazy. And honestly, we’re going to see that all season. I’m hyped.”
Paige Bueckers is feelin' the vibe out in Dallas 🔥
The rook put on a show for the home crowd:
15 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST pic.twitter.com/8jAxzogVja
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 11, 2025
The matchup served as a preview of an unselfish and fast-paced Wings squad. Seven players hit double figures, and the team tallied 34 assists on 50 made baskets, shooting an efficient 66.7% from the field. Bueckers’ court vision sparked the team’s fluid offense, energizing the crowd with every play.
“It’s incredible,” Bueckers shared postgame. “The energy, the support Dallas really embraces women’s basketball. To start off here, in this kind of atmosphere, it’s been special.”
With the season opener against the Minnesota Lynx set for May 16, Bueckers’ strong debut has only heightened anticipation for her rookie year. From her smooth jumper to her no-look passes and sharp defensive instincts, she’s already showing signs of becoming a leader just as she was during her time at UConn.
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