“She got the (midrange shot) perfected. It’s so clean, too. That middy is huge, for sure.” This wasn’t just a compliment from veteran teammate Arike Ogunbowale. It was an affirmation of Paige Bueckers’ flawless gameplay and high basketball IQ. Leading the W in flawless mid-range shots, last night was no different. This Dallas Wings’ rookie ate and left no crumbs on the table for the Atlanta Dream. Her pull-up and jump shots screamed perfection and maturity that went way beyond her years. While she delivered on the hardwood in more ways than one, all it took was a 3-pointer to ruffle the Wings.

Well, the roster came crashing down with an 88-85 loss in the last seconds. As the match resulted in Wings’ 20th loss this season, it didn’t shake Bueckers & Co. After all, the collective roster soared neck-to-neck with the opponents. And despite averaging 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Dream, Bueckers’ fluidity floored the fans and teammates alike. The rookie switched multiple positions in the paint. And needless to say, the shots landed her with a career-high of 400+ points within 22 games.

So, in a post-game interview, Bueckers was naturally questioned on her comfort level concerning her impeccable shooting prowess against the Dream. “A mix of imbalance of both. I want to avoid over-penetration. But I feel like I can get to the paint, to the rim a little bit more, get to the free throw line a little bit more, draw a little bit more contact,” Bueckers explained. “I’ve always loved my mid-range jump shot, and I don’t think that will ever change. But finding a better balance of both.”

Despite coming closer to the rim more than a couple of times last night, the player’s intentions were loud and clear. As someone who has perfected the middy, the All-Star was unwilling to compromise on that position. Her elite footwork, coupled with creating ample space to attempt mid-range shots, is a treat to watch. But she still wished to experience the best of both worlds- mid-range and layups. Moreover, the guard emphasised how the mid-range has helped secure rhythm in the paint.

“I think playing against defenders in this league, they’re the best defenders in the world,” she stated.  “So, you have to be able to get your shot off in tight spaces, close spaces, be able to create space to get your jump shot off.” Praising the Dream’s tight defenses, Bueckers confessed how it leaves little room for the Wings to create or capitalize on opportunities. And in such a scenario, the athlete relies on muscle memory to make and create shots, while opening space for her teammates.

Working on that footwork ever since I was little, I think that’s been.. I mean it’s a fundamental,” Bueckers added. “So, it’s like something I learned since I was in middle school and something underrated. And so you continue to work on throughout your entire basketball life.” With nine shots in the last five minutes, Bueckers boasts of a consistent 20-point score across 11 games this season.

No wonder she was crowned the 2025 Rookie of the Month for June. After all, her elite stat line showcased an average of 21.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5 assists within 7 games. And while she ranked third in scoring across the league, her team massively struggled in the paint. Currently sitting on a heap of losses, can the Wings stop clinging to defeats and serve a loss to the Indiana Fever? That remains to be seen.

Paige Bueckers adds another achievement to her hat

As the face of the rebuilding Dallas Wings roster, rookie Paige Bueckers has achieved more than what was palpable for a fresh entrant in the professional sphere. While she signed a rookie contract in April 2025, Bueckers has exceeded expectations and outscored polished veterans.

And so, it was no surprise when Paige landed with yet another achievement. First, she surpassed Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark with 350+ points in just 20 games. And last night, Bueckers wrote her name in the history books again. Well, she became the fastest athlete in two decades to reach a 400-point mark.

In just 22 games of her career, Bueckers tied veteran Cynthia Cooper for the fastest player to score 400 points and 100 assists. Her exceptional shooting prowess, coupled with versatility, has cemented Bueckers as a formidable guard for the Wings. While she has been averaging 20 points and five assists, with no turnovers, these scores still undermine her true potential.

But while her contributions are being recognised, the Dallas Wings are drowning in a sea of losses. With 20 losses against a meagre 8 wins so far, can Bueckers’ contributions bring some respite to the roster? Or is it too late? Standing last in the Western Conference division, it will be exciting to watch the Wings narrow the losing gap in the upcoming games.