Bueckers Shines in Homecoming, Lifts Wings to First Win of 2025 Season

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Paige Bueckers made her return to Connecticut in style Tuesday night, this time donning No. 5 for the Dallas Wings. The former UConn superstar delivered a performance reminiscent of her dominant college days, posting a season-high 21 points along with five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block in Dallas’ 109–87 victory over the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.

It marked the first WNBA win for both Bueckers and Wings head coach Chris Koclanes, snapping a season-opening four-game skid and improving Dallas to 1-4. The Sun dropped to 0-5.

Returning to the state where she built her legacy, the 2025 Wade Trophy winner and three-time All-American put on a clinic in efficiency. She shot 8-for-10 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, surpassing her previous high of 19 points set against Seattle. Bueckers also became the first rookie this season to log a 20+ point game and the fastest player in league history to reach 60+ points and 30+ assists in just five games—eclipsing the previous mark set by Suzie McConnell Serio in six.

She’s also the first rookie in WNBA history to post 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 2+ steals while shooting 80% from the floor.

The Wings seized control in the second quarter after Bueckers helped spark a run with her trademark mid-range jumper and tenacious defense. She played all but 42 seconds of the first half, contributing 15 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals, guiding Dallas to a 56–42 lead at the break.

Midway through the third, Bueckers brought the crowd to its feet after blocking former UConn teammate Bria Hartley’s shot and finishing with a layup on the other end—a signature moment that had the Mohegan Sun crowd buzzing.

Fellow rookie Aziaha James helped ignite an 11–0 run with a three-pointer and three made free throws, followed by a triple from Villanova alum Maddy Siegrist off a Bueckers assist. Kaila Charles capped the surge with two free throws, and the Wings never looked back.

Arike Ogunbowale added 19 points and matched her career high with six steals, including 15 points in a pivotal third quarter. DiJonai Carrington (16 points), Siegrist (12), and Charles (10) all scored in double figures as Dallas recorded its highest scoring game of the season. All 12 Wings players saw action, with 11 registering points.

Rookies JJ Quinerly (5) and Aziaha James (9) also posted career highs in the breakout win.

Tina Charles opened the fourth for the Sun, but Dallas responded with nine unanswered points to build a 21-point lead with six minutes remaining. Bueckers exited to a thunderous ovation with 4:09 left on the clock. Moments later, fans began filing out of the arena, having witnessed a memorable return by one of UConn’s most beloved stars.