'Gratitude to Be Here': Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers Makes History in First WNBA All-Star Game

For Paige Bueckers, her first WNBA All-Star appearance wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The Dallas Wings rookie didn’t just make the roster; she started the game, opened the scoring with the first-ever four-point shot, and helped guide Team Napheesa Collier to a 151–131 win over Team Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis.

The moment wasn’t lost on her.

“It’s super crazy to think about, like, my whole life journey up to this point, and being the little girl that looked up to the Minnesota Lynx, and just wanting to be everything that they were,” Bueckers said. “Now I’m being coached by Cheryl [Reeve] in the All-Star Game, playing with the best players in the world. So, it’s just a crazy experience. I’m extremely thankful for it.”

Through 18 games this season, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft has averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 44.9% from the field and 84.4% from the free-throw line. Her All-Star selection, while historic as the only rookie starter from her class, felt earned by the way she has stepped into a starring role with confidence and command.

“Just Trying to Be a Sponge”: Mindset and All-Star Debut

Before heading to Indianapolis, Bueckers made her priorities clear: soak in the experience, represent her team, and come back better.

“This whole season has been such a blessing,” Bueckers said after Dallas’ hard-fought loss to Las Vegas. “I’m just trying to be a sponge and soak everything in… It’s a huge honor to represent the Wings. The fans, the city — they’ve embraced me and my teammates since Day 1. I’m just grateful.”

In her All-Star debut, Bueckers contributed six points and eight assists, opting for a facilitator’s role while soaking up the moment with league icons. She was surrounded by both mentors and peers, including former UConn teammates and fellow Husky legends.

“I mean, Phee is one of my favorite people to be around,” she said of Napheesa Collier. “Just her demeanor, her attitude about everything, about life, the way she goes about basketball, about her business, on and off the floor. She’s just a strong woman that I admire… I’d much rather share the court with her every single time the ball gets tipped up.”

Bueckers also highlighted the value of the UConn pipeline, noting her connection with veterans like Gabby Williams and Breanna Stewart.

“You just have a bond and a sisterhood that remains… I’ve been getting to know Gabby really well, too,” Bueckers said. “Just learning, soaking up this experience.”

In true All-Star fashion, she even delivered a laugh during a lighthearted in-game interview. When asked what UConn coach Geno Auriemma might say about the defense being played, Bueckers didn’t hesitate: “Just complete awful. Disturbing demonstration of basketball on both ends of the floor.”

The Work Behind the Moments

While the All-Star break offered a moment to breathe, Bueckers has been focused on the transition from college to pro, particularly how to keep her body ready for the demands of a full WNBA season.

“It’s been a learning process of just like resting, recovering, doing everything possible to make sure my body’s ready to play after a long haul season in college,” Bueckers said. “Manual work, ice bath, sauna, treatment, constantly working on your body… Pilates, Epsom salt baths—there’s so many things that go into taking care of your body and performing on the court.”

She credits her UConn alum support system with helping ease that learning curve.

Leadership Voice in CBA Talks

Even as a rookie, Bueckers hasn’t shied away from using her platform during a pivotal moment in the WNBA’s collective bargaining negotiations. She was one of more than 40 players present at the league’s recent in-season meeting and voiced her frustration with the lack of progress.

“It was historic for CBA negotiations, but there definitely wasn’t a point where we agreed and we’re coming to meet sides,” she said. “We don’t want to sound ungrateful… but we think as much as we sacrifice our bodies, our minds, our time, our effort, we just feel like we play a huge part in this. And we feel like we should be rewarded for that.”

Her stance was clear: “I hope to find and get what we deserve, but until then, we’re going to keep fighting.”

Dallas Wings’ Season Resumes Tuesday

As the All-Star festivities fade, Bueckers will return to a Dallas Wings team still trying to find its footing. The Wings are 6–17, last in the Western Conference, and trail the Los Angeles Sparks by 2.5 games in the standings.