What a difference a year can make, as Paige Bueckers has helped bring the Dallas Wings from the bottom of the WNBA standings to a WNBA Playoff team. On Tuesday night, Bueckers had a double-double, scoring a team-high 22 points along with 11 assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block in her team's 96-78 home win over the Portland Fire. Teammate Awak Kuier also recorded a double-double in the win, with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Jessica Shepard nearly had one with 21 points and nine rebounds.
After the victory, Bueckers was one of three Wings players to field questions from reporters. "It means a lot just in terms of all that we've overcame throughout this season and how we did it together and how much we love and appreciate each other, how connected we are. We really have fun coming to work together, so honestly, as far as we can extend this season, that's what we want to do," Bueckers said.
More news: Sky Make Enes Kanter Freedom Announcement After Natasha Cloud Confrontation Bueckers praised her team for having "great teammates [and] great depth," which helped them reach their goal of a playoff spot. "Obviously, you look at the other side of it, you don't want to get complacent with just clinching the playoffs, but we want to make a run and make a deep run," she told reporters. Last season, Bueckers was the Wings' No. 1 pick, and despite playing at an All-Star level in her debut season, the team finished at a disappointing 10-34, tied for the league's worst record with the Chicago Sky.
This season, the Wings drafted Bueckers' former UConn teammate, Azzi Fudd, first overall. Bueckers continued to improve as a player, and the Wings began winning more games. While the team recently lost Fudd to a season-ending surgery, they appear to be clicking.
They've won three consecutive games, with five left on the regular-season schedule. Currently at 23-16 and eighth in the WNBA standings, the Wings are assured of finishing with a winning record, which must feel great for Bueckers to have accomplished in her sophomore season after last season's struggles. More news: Las Vegas Aces React to A’ja Wilson Earning Another WNBA Honor For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
