'Paige is Going to Be Really Good': Napheesa Collier Massively Praises Paige Bueckers After Lynx Defeat Wings

Bueckers consistently read Minnesota’s traps and blitzes, setting up teammates like Arike Ogunbowale and Myisha Hines-Allen in tight windows. She assisted on five of Dallas’ 19 field goals in the second half and became only the third rookie in WNBA history to register a 10-point, 10-assist game within her first three outings.

“She’s going to play a lot of minutes,” Collier added. “Point guard is a hard position, especially when you’re young. But take advantage of the position she’s in. I’m excited for her.”

Bueckers showed command over the Wings’ spacing and pace, delivering passes both early in the shot clock and in late-clock situations. On one key sequence with under four minutes to play, she drew a second defender at the top of the key, hesitated, and then kicked to DiJonai Carrington for a momentum-swinging three. She later found Ogunbowale for a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to make it a two-point game late.

“I’m just trying to make the right reads and stay aggressive,” Bueckers said. “We’re learning how to build chemistry as a team, and I’m trying to put people in positions to score. That’s my job.”

Learning Curve at the WNBA Level with the Dallas Wings

Collier, averaging 28.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists to begin the season, sees the rookie learning curve from a position of experience. She also knows the demands of leading a team from the moment you step on the floor and has risen to the level of being an annual MVP candidate going through it.

“She’s already comfortable running the show,” Collier said. “But she’s going to have to keep adjusting—teams are going to scheme for her. Staying steady, staying aggressive—that’s how you push through it.”

Despite the loss, the Wings outscored Minnesota 28-24 in the paint and 21-17 in points off turnovers. However, being outscored 22-8 in fastbreak scoring was a problem for Dallas.

Bueckers was at the center of the Wings’ offense, leveraging her presence on the court as an off-ball threat against a tough Lynx defense focused on flooding the paint against her. Staying patient proved to be a strong sign of maturity for a rookie guard against an elite defense as opposed to getting frustrated.

“She’s a smart player,” Collier said. “You can already see it.”

The Wings fell to 0-3, but with Bueckers at the helm and Ogunbowale continuing her scoring surge, Dallas’ offensive foundation is showing real promise. Collier’s advice? Keep attacking, and let the game come. With Bueckers staying steady and confident, further strides will surely be made soon.