Paige Bueckers is returning home with mixed emotions as she continues her journey in the WNBA. The highly-anticipated No. 1 overall pick has shown promise in her early performances but is still searching for her first victory with the Dallas Wings, who are currently struggling to secure a win this season.
Bueckers is set to play her inaugural professional game in her home state of Minnesota on Wednesday night, facing off against the Minnesota Lynx, the same team that defeated Dallas in the season opener just days before. The Lynx are showcasing their strength this season after a successful run to the WNBA Finals last year, bolstered by standout players Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Alanna Smith. They recently dominated the Los Angeles Sparks, accentuated by a strong second-half performance that has become their hallmark this season, outscoring opponents 96-68 in the latter half of games.
This matchup marks Bueckers’ first regular-season road game, taking place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, not far from her hometown of Hopkins. In her debut against the Lynx, she tallied 10 points and seven rebounds, although her shooting performance was less than desired at 30%. However, Bueckers bounced back in the following game, recording 19 points and eight assists in a close 79-71 loss to the Seattle Storm.
Fans eager to witness Bueckers in action can tune in to the Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx game at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 21, via various streaming options.
This next matchup provides a fantastic opportunity for Bueckers to shine in front of her hometown crowd and potentially put the Wings on the board with their first win, as she continues to develop her skills at the professional level.