Paige Bueckers Shines in Sophomore WNBA Season

When discussing the top WNBA players today, Paige Bueckers often stands alongside Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. At 24, Bueckers, who plays for the Dallas Wings, has made a significant impact during her second season.

Following a standout rookie year, Bueckers earned the WNBA and AP Rookie of the Year awards and was named to the All-WNBA Second Team and the All-Star roster. This season, she continues to excel, ranking in the top 10 for both scoring, with 20.6 points per game, and assists, with 5.9 per game. Her performance has helped the Wings secure the final playoff position in the standings.

Despite these achievements, Bueckers was ranked fifth in ESPN’s recent top 50 player list, behind Wilson, Clark, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Olivia Miles from the Minnesota Lynx. Analyst Alexa Philippou noted Bueckers’ growth, stating, “Bueckers has come into her own as one of the best guards in the league this season.” Despite a slight dip in statistical output post-All-Star break, Bueckers has delivered impressive performances, such as scoring 32 points in three quarters against Seattle and recording a 22-point, 11-assist game against Portland.

Bueckers is averaging an improvement from last year, with over a full point and an extra half-assist per game. She leads the Wings in scoring, assists, and minutes played (32.2 per game) and ranks second in rebounds (4.1 per game) and third in steals (0.8 per game).

For Dallas to maintain its playoff spot, Bueckers must elevate her game further, especially with teammate Azzi Fudd sidelined for the season due to a knee injury. The Wings have two other players contributing significant points: Arike Ogunbowale with 15.2 and Jessica Shepard with 14.4 points per game. While a deep playoff run may not be in the cards this year, the Wings have clearly advanced in their rebuilding efforts.