Paige Bueckers Delivers 8-Second Message to Struggling Franchise as ROTY Rise Outpaces 34-Loss Collapse

When Chris Koclanes debuted as a W’s HC for the first time this season, he had a clear aim: “I’m going to improve each and every day… So, again, it’s a growth opportunity and a learning moment for all of us,” he shared right after the game. But with one game remaining, results paint a different picture. Despite having No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers and 2024 All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas sits at a league-worst 9-34, currently on a 10-game skid. Still, this isn’t the future PB envisions for Dallas!

On Sunday night, the Dallas Wings entered the court against the LA Sparks in a resilient manner, fighting them head-on. Then it was Myisha Hines-Allen who hit a corner three-pointer at the 4:26 mark in the third quarter. This gave the Wings a lead of 55-54, their first since 6-4 in the first quarter. But none of those efforts were enough as the Wings ended up with a 91-77 defeat. But as always, despite the loss, eyes remained on the rookie sensation who left the court with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

In the wake of the second-to-last game and yet another defeat, a reporter pressed Bueckers on where she still found encouragement after a season full of challenges. She replied: “Like I’ve talked about a lot, just the foundation that we’re building and how to be process-oriented.” The entire response took barely eight seconds, quick, much like her game on the court. Still, the brevity didn’t take away from the thoughtfulness behind her words.

Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in action against the Golden State Valkyries during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Ever since PB was a little girl in Target Center stands catching a glimpse of Maya Moore’s magic on the court, she dreamed about playing in the W. For her, the extent of those aspirations was just to make it to this level and play among the best in the world. And finally, her dream had turned into a reality she’s been living in a dominant fashion since May.

Paige Bueckers came into the league as the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Wings. The Wings weren’t in a winning groove yet, but under first-year head coach Chris Koclanes, the mission for her was clear. Focus on growth. For someone fresh off a national title, the shift could’ve been jarring. But patience and discipline have always been PB’s trademarks. Instead of stepping back, she leaned in, steadying the locker room through injuries, keeping spirits up, and adjusting when her “big sis” was traded to the Lynx.

Her unwavering confidence and coming in with “no expectations” kept her improving each day. “It hasn’t been easy,” Bueckers said in a pregame press conference before the August 20 game versus the Sparks. “There’s been a lot of challenges, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of learning. It’s been a process.” For anyone who knows PB, this mentality isn’t really a surprise. While many across the league are results-oriented, she’s been focused on the process and incremental, day-to-day improvements since the beginning. Just a couple of games, and it all started reflecting too.

Ever since she got a hold, she’s been crushing rookie records this season. She won three back-to-back Rookie of the Month titles for June, July, and August. Her basketball IQ is just off the charts. She’s already one of the best midrange shooters across the league with skills beyond her experience and age.

“I truly think basketball has gotten away from it — it’s mostly layups and 3s,” Bueckers added after a 44-point performance against the LA Sparks. “Teams don’t know how to guard it. So I think it’s an advantage when you can score in the midrange.” She even holds the franchise record for assists by a rookie. She also leads the Wings with her 19.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds across 35 games this season.

But despite all that, the Wings are among the teams with the worst record across the league. But that ain’t gonna stop PB from supporting her team though!

Paige Bueckers feels the Wings got everything they need!

Despite the losses, PB’s really confident in the direction of the Dallas Wings franchise. “I think we have a really good young core, we have great pieces to build around, good complementary pieces,” Bueckers said before the August 10 game. “We got veterans, so a mix of both. And I think we’re all really excited that the front office has doubled down on who we have here right now. I think that’s what we’re gonna build around. So, the future is exciting.”

And she’s got a point, though. Despite losing, the Wings have strength in their roster. At first, they’ve got PB, a scoring phenom. Then they made some really good trade moves. They brought Li Yueru for two future draft picks for frontcourt depth.

They traded NaLyssa Smith to the LV Aces for a 2027 first-round pick. Then they sent DiJonai Carrington to the Lynx for a future second-round pick. But not just that, they even added former second overall pick Diamond Miller. While predicting the Wings’ 2026 season is quite early, it’s going to be explosive for sure!