Paige Bueckers delivered an impressive performance in her second WNBA game, scoring 19 points with 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Despite her standout effort, the Seattle Storm, led by Nneka Ogwumike’s dominant double-double, defeated the Dallas Wings 76-71 on Monday night.
Key Takeaways from Bueckers’ Second WNBA Game
Game Breakdown: Storm vs. Wings
The Seattle Storm secured their first win of the season behind Nneka Ogwumike’s monster double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith added 21 points and 9 assists as Seattle improved to 1-1 on the season.
Dallas started strong, taking a 26-25 lead after the first quarter with Bueckers contributing seven points during a 15-7 run. However, Seattle’s hot shooting from beyond the arc proved decisive as they connected on 9-of-15 three-pointers (60%) in the first half.
The Storm built a 56-41 halftime advantage, but Dallas rallied in the third quarter. Bueckers helped cut the deficit to 66-63 early in the fourth quarter before Seattle regained control. The Wings’ offense struggled late, managing just 10 points in the final period as they fell to 0-2 on the season.
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Seattle Storm | 25 | 31 | 10 | 10 | 76 |
| Dallas Wings | 26 | 15 | 20 | 10 | 71 |
Bueckers Shows Growth in Second Professional Game
After a solid but unspectacular WNBA debut (10 points, 7 rebounds), Bueckers demonstrated significant improvement in her second professional game. The former UConn star showcased the all-around skillset that made her the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Seattle’s defensive strategy focused on Bueckers early, sending double-teams that initially forced her to the bench with a turnover. However, she quickly adjusted, hitting three of her first four shots upon returning and demonstrating poise against the pressure.
Her playmaking ability was on full display with eight assists, including a highlight-reel thread-the-needle pass to DiJonai Carrington for an easy layup and a 3/4-court pass to NaLyssa Smith for a transition bucket.
Rookie Ladder: How Bueckers Stacks Up
Through two games, Bueckers is establishing herself as an early frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race. Her 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game showcase her all-around impact, placing her ahead of other notable rookies like Dominique Malonga, who played just one minute in Monday’s contest.
Bueckers’ efficiency rating of 18.2 ranks first among all rookies, demonstrating her immediate impact at the professional level. Her ability to create for teammates while maintaining scoring efficiency mirrors the early career trajectory of players like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.
What’s Next for Bueckers and the Wings
The 0-2 Dallas Wings will look for their first win when they face the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday. The matchup represents a homecoming for Bueckers, who grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis.
The Lynx, considered championship contenders this season, will provide another significant test for Bueckers and the developing Wings squad. Minnesota features former UConn star Napheesa Collier, who scored 34 points against Dallas in the season opener.
Despite the 0-2 start, Bueckers’ development remains the primary focus for Dallas this season. Her improved performance in just her second professional game suggests a steep upward trajectory as she adjusts to the WNBA’s pace and physicality.
The Bueckers Effect
While the Dallas Wings remain winless to start the season, Paige Bueckers’ rapid development provides plenty of optimism. Her second WNBA game showcased the all-around skillset that made her a college sensation at UConn, and her ability to adjust to professional defenses bodes well for her rookie campaign.
With upcoming matchups against Minnesota, Chicago, and New York, Bueckers will face several tests against established WNBA stars. If her second game performance is any indication, the former UConn standout is well on her way to establishing herself as the next great WNBA star.
