Paige Bueckers gets sentimental after homecoming game vs. Lynx

On Wednesday night, Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings found themselves facing off against the Minnesota Lynx for a second time. However, with the game taking place in Minnesota, it meant much more to the 2025 No. 1 pick. 

Facing off against the Lynx on the road led to a homecoming for Bueckers. As a native of Edina, Minnesota, she had the opportunity to play in her home state where she built her roots. 

Taking the floor in front of family and loved ones, Bueckers did not waste the opportunity. She put together arguably the best outing of her young career, posting a stat line of 12 points, 10 assists and three steals. Her first double-double in the WNBA would be spoiled, though, as the Lynx managed to walk out with an 85-81 win. 

After the game, Bueckers was asked about what it was like getting to make her return to Minnesota as the top pick in the WNBA. She got a little sentimental soaking in the moment, stating that it wasn't that long ago she was a young fan in the crowd with dreams of becoming more. 

“To see all the little girls and people in the stands and realize that was you just about 10, 15 years ago,” Bueckers said, per The Athletic's Chantel Jennings. “You never take it for granted how blessed we are to be able to play in this league and to play at this level.”

Getting to return home in this capacity seems to have struck a chord with Bueckers based on her response. Gone are the days of her being an eager fan in the crowd. Now, she finds herself with an opportunity to inspire the future generation of WNBA players.

In the early stages of her pro career, Buckers seems to be adjusting nicely. Aside from her double-double, she is averaging 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists through her first three games.

While Buckers is finding her stride in the WNBA, she is still in search of her first win as a pro. The Wings are one of three remaining teams without a victory alongside the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun.