Paige Bueckers: Key Player in Dallas Wings’ Playoff Push
Ask a WNBA fan about the league’s top players today and Paige Bueckers’ name is likely to be mentioned alongside Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. The 24-year-old guard for the Dallas Wings has made waves with an outstanding rookie season, clinching both the WNBA and AP Rookie of the Year awards. She also earned a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team and became an All-Star.
This season, Bueckers ranks among the top 10 for both scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game, and assists, with 5.9 per game. Currently, she plays a significant role in securing the Wings’ position in the final playoff spot.
Despite these achievements, ESPN’s latest top 50 player ranking placed her fifth, trailing Wilson, Clark, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx.
Alexa Philippou commented, “Bueckers has emerged as one of the league’s best guards this season. Although her performance has slightly dipped since the All-Star break, she recently had remarkable games, scoring 32 points in three quarters against Seattle and achieving a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists against Portland.”
With Azzi Fudd, fellow No. 1 pick, out for the season, Bueckers has an increased responsibility as Dallas seeks to finalize its best regular season since 2023 and aims for its first playoff appearance since then.
This year Bueckers averages more than a full point and half an assist more per game compared to last year. She leads the Wings in scoring, assists, and minutes per game, clocking 32.2 minutes. She is also second in rebounds with 4.1 per game, and third in steals, with 0.8 per game.
For Dallas to cling onto their playoff position, Bueckers must elevate her performance, especially with Azzi Fudd sidelined due to a knee injury.
Supporting Bueckers, Dallas counts on two other double-digit scorers – Arike Ogunbowale with 15.2 points per game and Jessica Shepard with 14.4. The Wings may face challenges in a deep playoff run this year, but they have clearly advanced in their rebuilding efforts.