Paige Bueckers made her much anticipated WNBA debut with a solid performance for the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Paige Bueckers’ long-awaited WNBA debut unfolded Friday night at College Park Center as the Dallas Wings opened their 2025 season against the Minnesota Lynx.
The No. 1 overall pick and former UConn standout contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, but the Wings fell 99–84 to a veteran Lynx squad led by fellow Husky alum Napheesa Collier.
Collier delivered a dominant 34-point performance, including 18 in the third quarter, helping Minnesota outscore Dallas 35–20 in the pivotal frame. Courtney Williams added 25 points and 9 assists, while Jessica Shepard chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds.
Despite the loss, Bueckers showcased her poise and playmaking that made her a collegiate star. She scored her first WNBA points just over a minute into the game, grabbing an offensive rebound and finishing a putback.
“Yeah, I should have made the first one,” Bueckers said. “Room to grow. You got to have a starting point. So you got to have a foundation to build on. So we don’t want to overreact to the loss, but we also know there’s a lot of things we have to clean up and get better at. So just starting it off, starting this journey and then continue to build on it the next day we practice.”
The Wings kept pace early, entering halftime tied 46–46. But Minnesota’s experience and depth proved decisive in the second half. Dallas struggled to contain Collier and Williams, while their offense faltered under increased defensive pressure.
“It is a learning process,” said Wings head coach Chris Koclanes, who also made his regular-season coaching debut. “We will not be perfect early, but we will learn and get better. We want to best support our players and put them in positions to succeed. I am encouraged. I like our group of players, staff, our camaraderie, demeanor, and work ethic. This group will learn and continue to improve.”
Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings attempts to drive to the paint past Natisha Hiedeman (No. 2) of the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
Bueckers acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to the professional level, noting the increased speed, physicality, and size of opponents.
“Yeah. I mean, like the speed, like I’ve talked about before, shorter shot clock. So you’re trying to get it across half court faster, to get into more actions and to change sides of the floor. And then there’s like a level of physicality, of course. That’s leveled up a notch from college.
“And then just the size at positions I would say is a little bit different. The fours are a lot bigger than the fours I’ve had to guard in college. So all of those things combined.”
The game also featured a notable matchup between Bueckers and Collier, both former UConn stars. The two shared a friendly exchange during a timeout in the second quarter.
“Yeah, it’s extremely fun to play against,” Bueckers shared. “She’s just the ultimate competitor. She brings out the best in you because she’s one of the best in the league. And we’ve had a relationship. We played together with USA Basketball. So to be on the other side and want to beat each other, it’s fun as well. I think that’s the ultimate sign of respect. And then just a good old UConn friendly chat.”
The sold-out crowd at College Park Center provided a lively atmosphere, energizing the Wings during their second-quarter surge.
“I thought they were great,” Bueckers said of the fans. “They helped to shift momentum at times when we went on runs and they tried to help us stay encouraged and motivated when we needed some of that as well. But it was a great turnout. And it was great to play in front of them.”
Paige Bueckers realized her dreams of playing in the WNBA in her first regular season game with the Dallas Wings. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
Reflecting on her debut, Bueckers emphasized the importance of building upon this initial experience.
“Very motivated,” she reflected. “You get to the point where you’ve reached your dreams and then you want to take off with it and see what you can do with it. Just getting to the dream is not enough. So continue to build on that. And like I talked about before, this is a starting foundation and we’ll get back at practice and continue to build off that the next day.”
The Wings will look to rebound in their next game against the Seattle Storm, aiming to translate the lessons from their opener into growth and success as the season progresses.
With Dallas striving to establish a winning foundation for long-term success, Bueckers knows she’s realizing a dream—and it can only get better.
“Every single day I try to stop and smell the roses,” Bueckers said earlier this week. “To be living out my childhood dream… I’m thankful for it every single day.”
