Despite Bueckers’ excellent campaign, she hasn’t done enough to carry the Dallas Wings through a smooth 2025 season. The Wings still remain one of the worst teams in the league, sitting at a dismal 7-18 record—second-worst behind the Connecticut Sun, who are 3-20. Yet, the spotlight stayed firmly on Bueckers. But this time, it wasn’t really about her scoring.

It was all about her reaction. During a tense timeout late in the third quarter. Dallas Wings assistant coach Chris Koclanes crouched near the huddle, passionately outlining the next play. His voice was sharp and focused, cutting through the noise of the crowd.

Players leaned in, nodding—everyone seemed locked in. Everyone except Paige Bueckers. Sitting right in the middle of the circle, arms draped over her knees, she raised an eyebrow and tilted her head ever so slightly, her face caught between curiosity and skepticism. Fans were quick to catch that.

Because by now, they have learnt to read from her expressions. Remember that photo during Wings camp where Bueckers beamed with a calm and contented smile? It reflected her easy connection with teammates. Even at the media event, she was seen giving a thumbs up and looking amused, which radiated confidence after a long journey of recovery, following her stint in concussion protocol. Then, even when Coach Koclanes had criticism for Arike Ogunbowale, she did not hide her disagreement.

So yes, with Paige, expressions really do speak louder than words. And it’s not just happening here in the W—it’s been a part of her story since her UConn days. Who could forget her halftime interview during the UConn vs. South Carolina game? Her face showed annoyance, with a twitch of the eyebrows clearly signaling she wasn’t thrilled about being interrupted mid-game.

So, when this recent incident happened, fans got nostalgic. But this time, they weren’t just talking about Bueckers’ expressions.

This time it was HC at the fans’ target!

Fans dove straight into the comments section, immediately pointing fingers at Wings’ head coach Chris Koclanes after sensing that Paige’s reaction came from his strategy. “I haven’t seen a player this disgusted with a coach’s play since the Fever under coach Christie Sides drew up a game-winning three for Aliyah Boston instead of Caitlin Clark against the Aces last season. Poor Paige,” penned one user.

During the Wings’ recent game against GSV, PB tied Indiana Fever guard CC (Caitlin Clark) as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career points and 100 career assists. And she did it while surpassing 350 career points just in the first half at the Chase Center. Her 17-point performance with six assists and a rebound was impressive. But despite her  efforts, the Wings still lost. So, you can imagine what might’ve hit her. “When you go from a Hall of Fame coach to a YMCA coach,” penned another user. Ouch.

Coach Koclanes, still in his first year with Dallas, is undeniably inexperienced. But it’s not just fans who’ve noticed. Even WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has called for broader accountability—not just blaming Koclanes, but also GM Curt Miller who hired him. “Chris has got to take a lot of the ownership, but so does Curt… this is about wins and losses,” she stated. And let’s face it, the disappointment has been there since the beginning. The team went 0–6 in clutch situations, frequently suffering late-game collapses. However, it was a recent moment that really sparked outrage!

“LMAO she’s like, wait, the ball don’t go to me,” said one user. So, it all happened when Haley Jones missed a shot, and Bueckers didn’t touch the ball in the final 50 seconds—despite having just closed the lead to 3 points with an and-one play around the 2-minute mark. She never got another shot after that. So, you can understand why fans were upset.

And let’s not forget the Las Vegas game. Koclanes declined to challenge a foul, even as DiJonai Carrington pleaded with him. That missed opportunity coincided with a 15–0 Aces run. Well, the backlash was brutal and later, HC admitted, “I probably should have used one before three minutes…” acknowledging his mistake.

“Any coach with a ponytail gotta go LMAO,” added another user. Harsh, but the criticism doesn’t stop there. With Dallas ranking near the bottom in defense and fast-break points allowed, analysts have noticed a lack of visible halftime or in-game adjustments. And it’s showing, as many of the Wings’ narrow early-season losses have been traced back to his slow reactions. But he’s still learning, though, that doesn’t mean fans are merciful.

“How much to bring Geno to Dallas ?” another added. 12 championships. Most wins in women’s college basketball. 5-year-long bond with Paige Bueckers. That hiring would break the internet. But the UConn alumna wouldn’t have a take on it. She has called the Wings coaching staff ‘amazing’ and made clear that they have her support. In his defense, Coach Koclanes is in his first year and the injuries haven’t exactly favored the Wings.