5 matches. This is the highest number of games lost by any team in the league. When it’s hardly been a month since the regular games began. Naturally, there is a lot at stake for the last standing team on the Western Conference division. And as everything was traveling South for the Wings since the season opener, they faced yet another setback. This time from their own roster. As promising athletes, Paige Bueckers and Tyasha Harris were sidelined, they carried team’s confidence and rhythm on the bench too.

But there was a sliver of hope. While head coach Chris Koclanes tried keeping the team’s spirits high, especially as Arike Ogunbowale and others struggled without the guards, the roster patiently waited for her entry ahead of the tipoff against Minnesota Lynx. But HC Koclanes delivered another shocker. “Just dealing with an illness and just being extremely cautious and supportive as an organization,” Chris Koclanes said. “Hope to have her back soon.”

Though Bueckers was practicing with the Wings, cured of her concussion. She was faced with an illness, that further delayed her entry to the hardwood. But just when the fans and the locker room accepted their fate, national reporter for Dallas Wings, Joey Mistretta shared an injury update on social media recently. He took to X (former Twitter) and quoted the athlete ahead of the game against Phoenix Mercury.

Bueckers was elated on receiving the green signal from the franchise. Breaking the news on social media, Mistretta wrote, “Paige Bueckers on returning from injury/illness: “There’s nowhere I’d rather be. Battled some stuff, glad to be back. Excited to keep building, get back on the court.” While the post comes bearing positive news for the roster, can Bueckers change the winds of the roster or wind up with another defeat? That remains to be seen.

Moreover, Bueckers seems to have completely recovered from her illness. While we do not have the details of the star’s illness in particular, what we do know is that the rookie overcame two consecutive issues before officially returning to the hardwood. Mistretta further assessed her remarkable performance during today’s practice session and reported, “Paige Bueckers practiced in full today.”

While the statement suggests that Bueckers is prepared to go live against her opponents, will she become the much-needed piece for the Dallas Wings? With her increasingly remarkable performances on the court and a developed synergy with Arike Ogunbowale, how can Bueckers take the reins and life the team out of the losing spell? Maybe HC Koclanes “one at a time approach” will come to the rescue. Maybe.

Paige Bueckers to break Caitlin Clark’s Rookie record

Paige Bueckers dished 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in her debut season so far. The rookie has displayed her dominance and on-court prowess since the season opener. She successfully finished with 10 points in her belt against Minnesota Lynx in the first game but was sidelined owing to a concussion. However, her return to the hardwood would be crucial to the struggling Dallas Wings roster. But for more than one reason.

And as she prepares to set foot at the PHX Arena against the Mercury, the rookie has a reason to celebrate. You see, Bueckers needs just 12 points and 10 assists to break Indiana Fever athlete, Caitlin Clark’s reigning record. Once achieved, Bueckers will become the WNBA’s fastest player to clinch 100+ points and 50+ assists this season.

This takes us to the 2024 ROTY’s first season in the pros where Clark had successfully grabbed 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists. But this did not stop the superstar. Clark went on to average whopping 200+ points, 75+ rebounds, and 75+ assists in just 15 games. And now Buecker’s too is hoping to create history by breaking Clark’s established record.

On the other hand, while Clark’s 16.8 points and 6.3 assists keep her in the running for Rookie of the Year race as Angel Reese dominates the league with her 13.1 rebounds, Bueckers’ injuries have slowed her momentum and pushed her farther in the race. But as she gears up in the upcoming match, it will be exciting to watch whether she can eclipse Clark’s record or will she be eclipsed by the other reigning athletes.