Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers is still firmly in the race for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award, even as the team endures a difficult season. Her case recently got a boost from a teammate on social media.
The Wings’ official Instagram account highlighted Bueckers’ impressive rookie-year accomplishments, drawing praise from fans and teammates alike. Luisa Geiselsoder even reposted it on her IG story, writing:
“You guys are still questioning if she’s ROTY?! Lol.”
Bueckers has built a strong résumé for the honor, pairing elite production with historic performances few rookies have ever matched. She’s been a consistent offensive force all season, and her 44-point outburst on 81 percent shooting — the most points ever scored by a WNBA rookie in a single game — remains the defining moment of her campaign.
Paige Bueckers Explains Sudden Game Absence
Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers has explained the reason for her unexpected absence from a recent game against the Connecticut Sun. Speaking with Dallas Hoops Journal, Bueckers said she fully expected to play after participating in shootaround and warmups, but a bad reaction to a pregame IV forced her to sit out.
“Just congestion-wise, being able to breathe. I actually planned on playing against Connecticut, but I ended up taking an IV right before the game, and my body kind of rejected it,” Bueckers said. “That happened right before, so it was a late scratch. But honestly, I’m ready to go. As long as I can breathe and get up and down the floor, you’ll hear no excuses from me.”
Bueckers was back on the court Friday in Atlanta, where the Wings fell 100-78 to the Dream after a second-half fade. The rookie finished with 16 points and tied her career high with 10 assists, securing her second points–assists double-double of the season.
Maddy Siegrist led Dallas with a career-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while Amy Okonkwo added 11 points, her third consecutive double-digit outing. The Wings suited up just eight players, with three recent hardship signings available, including former UConn star Christyn Williams, who joined the roster earlier that day.
Through the season so far, Bueckers is averaging 19.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 46.6% from the field and 33.9% from three.
