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May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and forward Maddy Siegrist (20) react after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'Better Playing With Her Than Against Her': Paige Bueckers Gets High Praise From Wings Teammate After Breakout Night

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 28, 2025 7:26 AM ET

Paige Bueckers delivered a standout performance on Tuesday when she returned to Connecticut, leading the Dallas Wings to their first win this season, which earned praise from third-year forward Maddy Siegrist.

Bueckers put up a season-high 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Returning to Connecticut, where she spent her collegiate career with the UConn Huskies, including a national title in her final season, Paige Bueckers received a loud ovation and praise as she started the game.

Siegrist, who made 12 points and three assists, candidly spoke about her vibes with the 23-year-old Bueckers.

“It’s definitely better playing with her than against her. But obviously she’s just such a great teammate and not only is she a great basketball player, but the way she really makes her teammates around her better… I’m happy to be able to play with her,” Siegrist said via Joey Mistretta.

Maddy Siegrist on Paige Bueckers: “It’s definitely better playing with her than it is against her. But obviously she’s just such a great teammate and not only is she a great basketball player, but the way she, like, really makes her teammates around her better… I’m happy to be…

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) May 28, 2025

Arike Ogunbowale also became Dallas’ factor at the match, achieving 19 points, four assists, and six steals. DiJonai Carrington scored 16 points.

Paige Bueckers averages 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists this season. After the game, she reflected on her first victory with the Wings.

“Felt great just to play like that as a team and obviously that environment is special to me. To play like that as a team and put a full 40 minutes together,” Bueckers said. “It felt good to be out there.”

Paige Bueckers on playing in Connecticut tonight: “It felt great just to play like that as a team and obviously that environment is special to me. But to be able to play like that as a team and put a full 40 minutes together and come out with the win and stay connected throughout…

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) May 28, 2025

May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley (14) drives the ball against Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Wings, after Tuesday’s victory, are now 1-4 in the standings, seek to continue their winning streak against the Chicago Sky on Thursday and Saturday, and will visit the Seattle Storm for a rematch next Tuesday.

WNBA legend predicts stardom for Paige Bueckers

On Tuesday’s “The Athletic” podcast, Phoenix Mercury icon Diana Taurasi shares her honest insight and a bold prediction about college standout Paige Bueckers’ career in the WNBA.

Bueckers, drafted first overall in the 2025 Draft, faced a challenging start to her career. The Wings opened the season 1-4, with the rookie guard struggling at some points. However, Taurasi believes that the former UConn Huskies’ maturity will soon propel her to success in the league.

“As you can tell already, Paige from game one to game two, she’s a different player,” Taurasi said. “And from game two to game 10, she’s gonna be a different player. And that’s gonna go for their team as well.”

“The one thing I know about Paige is she’s so grounded, she’s so patient, she’s so prepared. And I think she has learned that in the past four or five years. And all those things that she learned at Connecticut. … One day, she’s going to end up being the best player in the league, for sure.”

May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) defends against Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers’ leadership and potential have drawn attention from WNBA icons, with her rising influence and path on the sport continuing to shape a key role in the league’s future.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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