Paige Bueckers made her long-anticipated return to Connecticut on Monday night and she didn’t disappoint. Playing in the state where she became a household name at UConn, Bueckers delivered a standout performance to help the Dallas Wings secure their first win of the season, defeating the Connecticut Sun 83–78.
The rookie guard looked right at home in front of a sold-out crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena. From the opening tip, Bueckers played with poise and purpose, showcasing her trademark court vision, mid-range finesse, and lockdown perimeter defense. She finished with 21 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, hitting several clutch shots down the stretch as the Wings fended off a late Sun rally.
“I’m just grateful to be back,” Bueckers said postgame. “Connecticut will always be special to me, and to be able to get our first win here makes it even better.”
Bueckers’ energy proved contagious as the Wings, previously winless through their first five games, played with a renewed sense of urgency. Teaira McCowan added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Arike Ogunbowale chipped in 18 points despite early foul trouble.
For the Sun, Alyssa Thomas had 17 points and 9 boards, but they struggled to contain Dallas in transition and went cold from three-point range late.
Though it’s just one game, Monday’s win could be a turning point for a Dallas team looking to find its identity. And for Bueckers, it was a statement a reminder of her roots, and a glimpse of her pro potential realized.
“She was built for these moments,” Wings coach Latricia Trammell said. “And tonight, she showed the world.”
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