'She Said She Had a Headache': Chris Koclanes Reveals Surprising Paige Bueckers’ Concussion Update

Koclanes explained that Bueckers did not report any issues during the May 29 game but later communicated feeling unwell after the final buzzer.

“She didn’t really say anything,” Koclanes said before Saturday’s game. “And then yesterday, after the game, she said she was feeling like she had a headache. And then [Bueckers] said a couple things about, ‘I was hit this time, that time.’ And so that was the first of it. So once that was said, they went right to the doctor and [placed her in concussion protocol].”

Bueckers’ timeline for return remains unclear, but her absence is expected to last through at least the team’s current two-game stretch. The Wings host Chicago again Saturday before traveling to face the Storm.

Losing Paige Bueckers’ Impact

Bueckers has been a central figure in the Wings’ rotation, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, ranking second on the team in scoring and first in minutes (34.0 per game). Her ability to create for herself and others has helped stabilize a Dallas team that is still finding its footing at 1–5.

The 6-foot guard led UConn to a national championship just 54 days before her professional debut. Though she missed substantial time in college due to knee injuries, this marks her first absence due to a head injury.

The ripple effects are already being felt across the roster. With veteran guard Tyasha Harris also sidelined with a left ankle injury, the Wings may be forced to reconfigure their starting group to balance experience and defensive length.

The Wings ultimately opted to shift Ogunbowale into a more lead guard role, sliding DiJonai Carrington to shooting guard, and inserting Maddy Siegrist on the wing. Siegrist—one of just three returning players from last season—brings a mix of size, rebounding, and movement without the ball.

“You’ve got to move without the ball, cut hard, and be in the right spots,” Siegrist told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “When Arike is going downhill, we just have to read off her and stay connected. Everyone’s job gets a little bigger.”

Let Arike Ogunbowale Cook?

Veteran center Teaira McCowan put it more bluntly, saying Dallas must let Ogunbowale do what she does best without Bueckers on the floor.

“When Paige is out, it’s just about moving with purpose and letting Arike do what she does,” McCowan told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She’s going to draw attention, so we’ve got to stay ready. Be active, crash, space—it all matters more.”

The Wings’ backcourt depth will be tested, especially if Harris remains unavailable. That means more minutes for rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James, both of whom have flashed promise in limited action.

James didn’t play Thursday, but posted nine points in nine minutes against Connecticut. Quinerly has seen scattered minutes but has shown strong defensive instincts and energy.

“They show that they’re ready every practice, every game,” center Luisa Geiselsöder told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “They’re really talented rookies. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here.”

“JJ—you can always count on her,” she added. “Her defense is crazy. It’s really good. She’s just another threat. So we have two threats from the guard position that are coming out, and they’re excited and motivated every game.”

The Wings will undoubtedly need to do their best to stay afloat and avoid making an already struggling start to the season even deeper.