Paige Bueckers Names Fever Star 'Hardest Player to Guard'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 10:06 PM ET

Paige Bueckers has faced the Indiana Fever three times in her two seasons in the WNBA . By now, the Dallas Wings star already knows their players well. She recently identified the hardest player to defend in the league as the team's star guard, Kelsey Mitchell.

The 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year praised Mitchell's quickness and ability to make outside shots. Bueckers added that she can also score in different ways.

"Right now, I'd probably say Kelsey Mitchell," Bueckers said. "Because she's so unpredictable. She's fast, twitchy, extremely quick, can also shoot. So if you give her space... and she's just super creative."

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Bueckers served as the captain of Team Coop in the 2026 All-Star Game. Mitchell was her teammate, allowing Bueckers to see her elite skill set firsthand.

However, they lost 129-122 on Saturday, with Jonquel Jones and Caitlin Clark leading the way for Team Spoon with 22 and 17 points, respectively. Mitchell scored a game-high 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. Bueckers, on the other hand, finished with 12 points and seven assists.

Mitchell and the Fever hold a 17-10 record this season and are on a three-game winning streak. They will return to action on Tuesday against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.

Meanwhile, Bueckers and the Wings sit fourth in the standings, one spot ahead of Indiana. They have an 18-9 record and have won seven of their last eight games. Next up for them is a home clash with the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday.

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

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