Paige Bueckers, coming off the bench, is quietly having one of the best debut tournaments for Team USA in recent memory. And while Caitlin Clark’s debut hype has gone global, Bueckers’ contributions are not being overshadowed, as Atlanta Dream co-owner and former WNBA champion Renee Montgomery recently commended the averages the Dallas Wings guard is pulling off in the World Cup.
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“Some players, when they play internationally, you can see that parts of their game don’t translate—maybe their first step or their pull-up. But Paige, everything about her game does. Look at it: 10 points, 59% shooting, 50% from three. That’s tough to do,” Montgomery said ahead of the quarterfinals via TNT Sports.
“A different ball, different arena, different lineup, different everything. But she’s found a way. She’s first in field goal percentage and blocks, second in steals, assists, and efficiency, and tied for second in points,” she added.
Montgomery’s point is stark: most stars struggle to translate their game internationally. Bueckers is the exception.
In four games, including the quarterfinal against Hungary, Bueckers is averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 assists, second on Team USA in both. Her defensive impact is even more striking: 1.3 steals (third) and one block per game (tied for first). She’s shooting 43% from three and is perfect at the line (10-for-10), all in just 19.3 minutes per game.
Her defensive versatility extends to shot-blocking, a skill she rarely showcases in the WNBA (0.4 per game). Yet at the World Cup, she’s tied for seventh in blocks alongside Angel Reese. Fans have even dubbed her “Paige Blockers” after her efforts helping Breanna Stewart against the Czech Republic.
Montgomery and Bueckers have a long history; the two former UConn players have often spoken about her ambitions and transition to the professional level. Back in 2022, Bueckers told Montgomery her ultimate dream was to play in the WNBA.
“My dream is to get to the League,” Bueckers said via CBS Sports Network’s We Need To Talk. “That’s always been a dream of mine, to play in the WNBA. But with my platform and social media following, I also want to help this world become a better place.”
From No. 1 overall pick to Rookie of the Year to MVP candidate, Bueckers has fulfilled her WNBA dream in four years. She led the Dallas Wings to their first playoff appearance since 2023, and now she’s proving her game translates globally.
Bueckers can add gold to her resume as Team USA demolished Hungary 108–56 in the quarterfinal and are now favored to win the tournament. Team USA will play either Spain or Australia in the semifinal on Saturday, with a chance to defend their crown on Sunday.