She’s 23. A rookie. And already the calmest voice in the room.
In just her second WNBA game, Paige Bueckers showed the world why Geno Auriemma trusted her with the keys at UConn. Against the Seattle Storm, she didn’t just play — she dictated pace, controlled tempo, and delivered a masterclass in composure: 19 points, 8 assists, 7-of-14 shooting, and a floor presence that screamed veteran.
And yet, her brilliance cast an unflattering light on the chaos around her.
While Bueckers kept the offense humming, star guard Arike Ogunbowale flailed — shooting just 2-for-14 from the field. DiJonai Carrington added to the offensive slump with a 2-for-8 performance. Despite cutting a 17-point deficit down to three late in the third, Dallas never managed to get over the hump. As Geno once said of Paige, “There’s a way that Paige manages a game that, it feels like she has complete control of the game.” That control was on full display — but not everyone was following the same sheet of music.
That contrast has sparked major conversation online. One fan summed up the growing tension:
“I’m going to say this with so much respect… Paige plays with structure, control, and discipline. Arike does not. I don’t see them being on the same team together much longer if they want the franchise to move forward.”
I’m going to say this with so much respect.. Paige plays with structure, control, and discipline. A*ike does not. I don’t see them being on the same team together much longer if they want the franchise to move forward.
— 24:8 (@robswrld824) May 20, 2025
The Wings shot just 21.1% from three and committed 15 turnovers. Meanwhile, Seattle shot 60% from deep and rode a Skylar Diggins-Smith flurry to keep Dallas chasing shadows. As questions about team chemistry intensify, fans aren’t pulling punches.
Wings lose again despite Paige Bueckers’ strong performance; fans demand answers.
One fan snapped after the Wings’ second straight loss: “Arike won’t be on this team next year!! Book it.”
But let’s not hit the panic button just yet. It’s early in the season—and Arike Ogunbowale’s resume speaks volumes.She’s a two-time All-Star, 2021 All-Star MVP, All-WNBA First Team (2020), Second Team (2021, 2024), 2020 scoring champ, 2024 steals champ, and a 2019 All-Rookie pick. Just last season, she averaged 22 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.One off-night doesn’t erase years of elite play.
Another fan chimed in: “I agree, this will be Paige’s team.”
Sure, Paige running the offense—initiating pick-and-rolls and setting the tempo—could help teammates like Arike, Carrington, and Smith get to their spots faster and take cleaner, less contested shots. It’s a smart adjustment. But let’s be clear—Arike isn’t getting sidelined. If the Wings want to contend for a title, they need her firepower.
Just like Caitlin Clark learned to adapt to Kelsey Mitchell’s strengths in Indiana, Paige will have to do the same in Dallas. That’s how winning teams work—talent adjusting to talent.
May 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
One fan said, “Arike just sold the entire game.”
Yeah, she low-key did (2-14 FG)—but she wasn’t the only one. DiJonai Carrington had a rough night (2-8 FG), and Myisha Hines-Allen (2-9 FG) struggled too. When three of your five starters are off, a loss is almost inevitable. The only reason the Wings didn’t lose by 20 was because Paige Bueckers kept her composure, NaLyssa Smith(4-6 FG) found rhythm late, and bench players like Teaira McCowan(4-7 FG)and Maddy Siegrist (5-10 FG)stepped up big.
Another fan said, “Paige’s teammates don’t pass. But when she has the ball she passes it to teammates who can’t finish. She doesn’t hunt down shots. This isn’t UConn anymore.”
Fair point—but let’s not forget, training camp only started on April 27. It’s been barely 25 days. Building chemistry takes time, especially with a rookie running the show.
Still, the numbers don’t lie. In both games the Wings lost this season, their opponents—Minnesota and Seattle—shot 8–9% better in effective field goal percentage (eFG%), according to WNBA stats. Dallas simply hasn’t been scoring efficiently, and that’s something they’ll need to fix fast.
One fan said, “Paige looked visibly annoyed after she was wide open on that breakaway at the end there and someone went contested to the rim and bricked it. Their styles just don’t mesh well. Maybe that’ll change over time but it’s what I was concerned about in December.”
That frustration is understandable. Chemistry doesn’t happen overnight, especially with new teammates learning each other’s tendencies. Paige’s pass to DiJonai Carrington in the paint showed she’s doing her part—making sure the ball reaches teammates when they’re open. The challenge now is for everyone to sync up and finish those plays.
In the end, patience will be key. With time, this Wings roster has the potential to click. What do you think? Should Arike be sidelined just for one bad game?
The post Geno Auriemma Influence Saves Paige Bueckers as Star Teammate’s Future Questioned After Second Straight Loss appeared first on EssentiallySports.