She’s Just 23, a Rookie — and Already the Steadiest Force on the Court
In only her second WNBA game, Paige Bueckers is proving exactly why Geno Auriemma entrusted her with UConn’s offense during her college days. Against the Seattle Storm, Bueckers didn’t just play—she took control. Her stat line was impressive: 19 points, 8 assists, and 7-of-14 shooting. But beyond the numbers, it was her poise and ability to run the floor like a seasoned veteran that stood out.
However, her standout performance also put a spotlight on the struggles of her teammates.
While Bueckers kept the offense flowing smoothly, star guard Arike Ogunbowale had a night to forget—shooting just 2-for-14. DiJonai Carrington also struggled, going 2-for-8. Despite trimming a 17-point deficit to just three late in the third quarter, the Dallas Wings couldn’t complete the comeback.
Even with Bueckers showcasing the leadership and composure learned under Auriemma’s system, the rest of the team failed to rise to the moment. Geno once said that great players dictate the game rather than react to it—and Paige has clearly internalized that lesson. Unfortunately, not all of her teammates seem to be on the same page yet.
Online reactions captured the growing frustration. One fan noted: “Paige plays with structure, control, and discipline. Arike does not. I don’t see them being on the same team together much longer if they want the franchise to move forward.”
The shooting stats told the story: Dallas made only 21.1% of their three-point attempts and committed 15 turnovers. On the other hand, Seattle shot an incredible 60% from deep, led by a stellar outing from Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Despite the team’s second consecutive loss, it’s far too early to panic. Arike Ogunbowale remains one of the league’s top talents, with an impressive résumé that includes multiple All-Star selections, All-WNBA honors, and a scoring title. Last season, she averaged 22 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. One bad game doesn’t cancel out years of elite production.
Some believe Paige should now be the team’s primary leader, and there’s growing sentiment that the Wings are becoming her team. Her control of the offense—particularly her ability to set tempo and make smart plays—could actually help players like Arike and Carrington get better looks. But that doesn’t mean Arike will—or should—be pushed aside. If Dallas hopes to compete for a championship, they need her scoring prowess.
This situation isn’t unique. In Indiana, Caitlin Clark has had to learn how to balance her game with Kelsey Mitchell’s strengths. For Dallas, it may be up to Paige and Arike to find a similar balance.
Frustration isn’t just coming from fans. Bueckers herself seemed visibly irritated after a missed opportunity late in the game—wide open on a breakaway, only to watch a teammate go for a contested shot and miss. It’s moments like these that highlight the growing pains of a new team still trying to gel.
And it’s not just Arike struggling. Carrington shot 2-for-8, Myisha Hines-Allen went 2-for-9, and when three of your five starters are that inefficient, wins are hard to come by. The reason Dallas kept the scoreline respectable was because of Bueckers’ composure, NaLyssa Smith’s efficient shooting (4-of-6), and strong bench performances from Teaira McCowan (4-of-7) and Maddy Siegrist (5-of-10).
Some fans have pointed out that Bueckers isn’t selfish—she’s finding open teammates, but they’re not finishing. And while she doesn’t force shots like she might have at UConn, this is a different league, and adjustments take time.
It’s also worth remembering: training camp began less than a month ago. Building chemistry in that short time—especially with a rookie point guard—is a tall order. But the Wings will need to start fixing their offensive efficiency fast. In both of their losses, opponents had a significantly higher effective field goal percentage, showing just how much Dallas is trailing on that front.
Ultimately, this team still has time to find its rhythm. Paige Bueckers is proving she can lead—but for the Wings to win, it can’t be just her. Whether or not Arike and Paige can truly coexist remains a major question, but the answer may define the team’s success this season.