Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mercury Stars Praise Paige Bueckers' 35-Point Performance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers had one of the best games of her young career in her first game against Phoenix Mercury. From the start of the contest, the former UConn star was unstoppable, posting 35 points with six rebounds and four assists.

However, Bueckers couldn't lead the Wings past the Mercury and was dealt with a 93-80 loss. The team's recent defeat is their sixth-straight loss and they have fallen to a 1-10 record. Dallas is the first team in this current WNBA season to have at least 10 losses and is the worst in the league.

Despite the Wings dismal performance, people were still amazed by how the young point guard played.

Following the contest, frontcourt stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally spoke highly of Bueckers. Thomas started with a compliment toward the one-time NCAA champion. According to the veteran guard, what the 2025 No. 1 pick does on the court is nothing new, since she's done it at the collegiate level.

"We've seen her do it at UConn for so long," Thomas said. "She's been coming to Connecticut games for a minute or two. Just very calm out there, she just controls the game so well. Sky's the limit for her."

The two-time All-Star Sabally also had high praises for Bueckers pointing to how well she shoots the ball, saying that Phoenix's defense could've been better.

"We should’ve done better for sure, but she’s elite," Sabally added.

Phoenix Mercury forwards Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally praised Paige Bueckers after Bueckers had 35 points on 13-for-19 shooting.

“We should’ve done better for sure, but she’s elite,” Sabally said. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/nSUA8HMhfJ
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 12, 2025

The Mercury improved to 7-4 this season and captured their third win in the Commissioner's Cup. Thanks to Sabally's 20-point and nine-rebound outing, Phoenix protected its home court before traveling to Las Vegas to face the Aces on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: