Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings, seen during the Phoenix Mercury game at College Park Center on Thursday, July 3, 2025, knows her journey will have ups and downs. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
PHOENIX — For all the hype surrounding Paige Bueckers’ rookie season, Monday night’s loss in the desert proved a reminder that growth in the WNBA isn’t linear — it’s layered, relentless, and built on moments like these.
The Dallas Wings suffered a 102-72 blowout loss at the hands of the Phoenix Mercury, a sobering outcome after a promising stretch that had seen Dallas win five of its last seven. But even amid a night when shots didn’t fall, turnovers piled up, and defensive stops were scarce, Bueckers remained composed — focused not on the sting of the defeat but on what comes next.
“It’s all about how you respond,” Bueckers said postgame. “Unfortunately, there’s nights like this in the WNBA where the other team just comes out and imposes their will on you. But how can we respond in the next game? How can we carry the energy we’ve had at home and bring that on the road?”
Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft, finished the night with 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. But the box score told only part of the story. With Phoenix collapsing the paint and clogging passing lanes, Dallas never found rhythm.
The Mercury’s defense, anchored by Kalani Brown, Natasha Mack and Alyssa Thomas, suffocated every drive attempt, forcing the Wings into uncomfortable positions and hurried decisions.
“They were aggressive as they always are,” Bueckers said. “They got in passing lanes, were great in transition getting deflections. Kalani, Mack, AT — they were always lurking, protecting the rim. Credit to their effort.”
While Phoenix lit up the scoreboard — including a career-high 36 points from Sami Whitcomb — Bueckers didn’t hang her head. Her signature poise and presence were evident, even in a lopsided defeat. She understands nights like these are part of the deal. They don’t define her — but they do shape her.
Paige Bueckers, seen here during the June 27, 2025, game against the Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, can only learn from experiences like Monday night against the Phoenix Mercury. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“This isn’t who we are in our identity,” she said. “But obviously, looking in the mirror and [asking] how can we be better — that matters. We’ll definitely process this loss and move forward.”
In many ways, Bueckers’ maturity mirrors the veterans she’s often compared to — namely, Mercury legend Diana Taurasi. The UConn connection between them runs deep, and Bueckers hasn’t shied away from seeking Taurasi’s insight as she navigates the rigors of pro basketball.
“I’ve known her since my career at UConn,” Bueckers shared. “We have each other’s phone number. She’s always open and willing to talk to me — if I need advice, if I’m seeking her wisdom, she’s there. I really look up to her, and I’m never taking that relationship for granted.”
The two may have been on opposite ends of the floor Monday night, but their shared lineage — one marked by greatness, leadership, and competitive fire — continues to bind them. Taurasi’s presence still looms large in Phoenix, and Bueckers embraces that shadow as something to live up to, not shrink from.
Beyond the court, Bueckers’ impact stretches to the stands, where fans of all ages — especially young girls — showed up in droves wearing her No. 5 jersey. Her star transcends basketball. It’s the way she interacts with fans, the way she shares her story, and the way she stays authentic that resonates.
Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings doesn’t mind showcasing her personality, especially if it’s a home cooking for the Dallas Wings faithful. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“I try to stay authentically myself,” Bueckers said. “Being in the entertainment business, being part of this basketball world, you get to show your personality off the court. So using my platform to share my faith, share being a confident human being, and just be myself — that’s important to me.”
The social media posts, the meet-and-greets, the humility — it’s all part of the package. But beneath the charm is a competitor, still learning how to win consistently at this level. That’s what drives her.
“As a rookie, I want to use my voice,” Bueckers said. “My teammates respect me, and we all just want to win. Nothing’s personal — everything we do is about the team. So I use my voice, my knowledge, and lead by example. I’m still learning, still asking questions, still being a sponge.”
The Wings dropped to 6-14 on the season with the loss, and while it stung, the road ahead remains long. Bueckers is at the center of that journey — steady, grounded, and ready to respond.
After all, that’s what great players do and what she’ll get to showcase not just the rest of this season, but when she suits up for Team Collier in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 19.
Editor’s Notes
Michele Aerin contributed to this article onsite at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
