Back when Paige Bueckers suited up for UConn, women’s basketball was the hottest ticket in town–sellouts at the 10,167-seat Gampel Pavilion were the norm. But Friday’s home opener for the Dallas Wings told a different story. The crowd at UT Arlington’s College Park Center looked sparse, and it’s not surprising. This Dallas team is clearly in rebuild mode. There’s excitement around Paige, no doubt–but fans also understand it’s going to take time. To make matters worse, her much-anticipated debut ended on a sour note, as Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx completely dominated. Naturally, questions started flying about whether Paige could adjust to the pro level–but one former Gamecock stepped in to back the rookie.
The Minnesota Lynx cruised to a 99-84 win over the Dallas Wings, with Napheesa Collier putting on a show and dropping 34 points. It wasn’t the debut Paige Bueckers fans had hoped for–she finished with just 10 points in 30 minutes. Still, she showed some hustle, leading the team with seven rebounds. But her performance didn’t exactly turn heads. To take some of the weight off her shoulders, teammate Tyasha Harris stepped in, sharing how her own experience and playstyle can help Paige grow and succeed in the long run.
Tyasha Harris opened up about her role alongside Paige Bueckers, explaining how their dynamic could benefit the rookie. “I love it. All my career, I’ve been in a two-guard front or combo role–even at South Carolina,” Harris said. “If Paige gets the ball, I can sprint to the wing. If I get it, she can sprint to the wing. It gives her more chances to play off the ball. She’s a great scorer, a great shooter. Sometimes as a point guard, you can’t be as aggressive. So when I come in and run point, it lets her be more assertive in that two-guard spot. It just opens everything up and gives us more scoring options.”
Harris brought energy off the bench, contributing early in the game and helping to stabilize the offense during a foul-heavy first half. Her veteran presence provided support to rookie Paige, facilitating smoother offensive plays. Such teamwork is invaluable for a rookie like Paige, aiding her adjustment to the WNBA and helping her move past the challenges of her debut.
Everyone knows Paige Bueckers is a gifted scorer–that part of her game has never been in question. But in her debut, it was clear that taking on point guard duties while also trying to create shooting opportunities for herself is a tough balance. Her first basket came from a play she made on her own, showing the flashes of brilliance fans expect. Still, going 3-of-10 from the field wasn’t the statement performance many hoped for.
That’s where Tyasha Harris becomes key. With Harris running the point, Paige can focus more on finding her rhythm and scoring off the ball. It’s a connection that could really open things up for both players–and one worth keeping an eye on moving forward. Of course, having a veteran in Arike Ogunbowale is only going to help her grow further as a player.
While the Dallas Wings couldn’t pack the stands for Paige Bueckers’ much-anticipated debut, her hometown made sure the moment didn’t go unnoticed. In a heartwarming gesture, they found a special way to celebrate their hometown hero–making it clear just how proud they are of her journey to the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers gets the ultimate honor. Hometown changes its name
While Paige Bueckers’ WNBA debut was a huge moment for basketball fans everywhere, it held extra meaning back home. Her hometown of Hopkins, Minnesota, went all out–temporarily changing its name to “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” to celebrate the occasion. The game didn’t go as planned for the Dallas Wings, but the hometown tribute? Absolutely unforgettable.
Hopkins didn’t just slap her name on a sign, they threw a full-on party. Paige, who led Hopkins High to a 2019 state title and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year, has always given back, even starting a food shelf for locals as a high schooler, per ESPN. At the watch party at her old high school, fans cheered every time she hit the court. Mayor Patrick Hanlon expressed the town’s pride by stating, “We have renamed ourselves Paige Bueckers Minnesota.”
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
The celebration was next-level. Hopkins held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, and some streets were renamed “Bueckers Boulevard.” A local brewery even brewed a beer in her honor, while a popular ice cream shop created a special Paige Bueckers flavor. If that wasn’t enough, there was a Paige Bueckers sushi roll to try. The day wrapped up with a watch party at her former high school, where fans gathered to cheer on the Wings as they faced the Minnesota Lynx. A proper festival!
Paige’s debut might not have gone as many hoped, but she still showed flashes of her true potential. Fans are optimistic that, with time, she’ll find her rhythm and truly show what she’s capable of. One thing’s for sure–her teammates will have her back through every high and low.
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