Paige Bueckers' Memorable WNBA Debut: First Basket, First Struggles, and Room for Improvement
Star basketball player Paige Bueckers from Team Wings openly discusses her thoughts on her first made basket in the WNBA, presenting an unfiltered assessment.
Hailing from Arlington, Texas, Paige Bueckers' first WNBA preseason basket was a highlight reel-worthy floater over none other than the reigning MVP A'ja Wilson. But her first regular season bucket wasn't as picture-perfect. Nonetheless, she showed her grit by snatching her own rebound after a missed attempt and banking in the shot.
The Wings took a tough 99-84 loss against the Lynx in their season opener, with Napheesa Collier dominating the match with a staggering 34 points. However, Bueckers' initial WNBA basket was a memorable one for the 2025 No. 1 overall pick. As she faced the media after the game, she expressed her disappointment about missing the first shot, saying, "Should have made the first one," before discussing the team's loss.
With a mix of candor and determination, Bueckers mentioned that they were learning and growing from their losses, recognizing that there were several things they needed to work on and clean up moving forward.
Heated exchanges aside, Teaira McCowan skipped the post-game huddle after the Wings' defeat. The Wings are still searching for answers following Collier's dominant season opener. Meanwhile, Bueckers' father was visibly emotional watching his daughter's childhood dream unfold on the court.
Arike Ogunbowale led the Dallas Wings with 16 points, while Bueckers managed 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in her initial outing. Her numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, but the rookie's debut was still a promising one.
Although fans may expect Bueckers to set the WNBA on fire from the get-go, it's essential to remember that this is a player who was still in college just a few months ago. The leap to the highest level of professional basketball demands an adjustment period.
Despite the usual rookie challenges, such as shooting efficiency and ball security, Bueckers' WNBA debut was an all-around solid performance that showcased her talent and readiness for the league. With the Seattle Storm visiting home for their next game on Monday, Paige Bueckers and the Wings will be eager to secure their first win of the '25 season.
[1] Paige Bueckers Drops First Bucket in WNBA Debut (SportsDiaspora)[2] Paige Bueckers' WNBA Debut: Gritty Offensive Board, Room for Improvement (Bleacher Report)[3] Paige Bueckers' Debut Highlights and Lowlights (FanSided)[4] Paige Bueckers' WNBA Debut: Initial Performance Analysis (CBS Sports)[5] Paige Bueckers' First WNBA Basket (Heavy)
In the WNBA, Paige Bueckers continued to make history as she scored her first regular season basket, despite it not being as perfect as her preseason debut. With her sights set on the playoffs and the Seattle Storm's visit, Bueckers and the Wings are determined to secure their first win of the '25 season, showcasing promise and potential in the world of women's sports basketball.
