Bueckers: 1st game provides 'foundation to build on'

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers' WNBA debut might not have gone as planned, but she's happy to grow from it.

Bueckers scored just 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting in the Wings' 99-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.

"You've got to have a starting point," Bueckers said, according to ESPN's Dave Wilson. "You've got to have a foundation to build on. So we don't want to overreact to the loss, but we also know there's a lot of things you have to clean up and get better at."

The 2025 first overall pick was outplayed by a fellow UConn alumna, Napheesa Collier. The four-time All-Star scored 34 points, including 18 in the third quarter.

Bueckers and Collier were both Huskies, and they've played together for USA Basketball.

"It's extremely fun to play against Phee. She's just the ultimate competitor, and she brings out the best in you because she's one of the best in the league," Bueckers said. "To be on the other side and want to beat each other is fun, as well. I think that's the ultimate sign of respect."

The Wings and Lynx will meet again Wednesday.