Many WNBA enthusiasts consider Paige Bueckers among the top players in the league, alongside Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. The 24-year-old Dallas Wings guard has made a significant impression, concluding her rookie season with accolades like the WNBA Rookie of the Year and AP Rookie of the Year. She also earned a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team and became an All-Star.

This season, Bueckers ranks in the top 10 for scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game, and assists, with 5.9 per game. Her efforts have helped place the Wings in the final playoff spot.

Despite her achievements, ESPN’s latest top 50 player ranking listed her as No. 5, trailing behind A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles.

“Bueckers has emerged as one of the top guards in the league,” wrote Alexa Philippou. “Although her numbers dipped slightly after the All-Star break, she recently scored 32 points in three quarters against Seattle and had a 22-point, 11-assist double-double versus Portland.”

With Azzi Fudd sidelined for the season, Bueckers’ role becomes even more crucial as Dallas aims to complete its most successful regular season and secure its first playoff appearance since 2023.

Bueckers improved her statistics from last year, with increases in scoring and assists. She leads the Wings in various categories: scoring, assists, and minutes per game at 32.2. She is also second in rebounds, averaging 4.1 per game, and third in steals, with 0.8 per game.

For the Wings to maintain their playoff spot, Bueckers may need to elevate her performance further. The absence of Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, due to a knee injury, heightens this necessity.

Supporting Bueckers on the team are Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard, both scoring in double digits, with averages of 15.2 and 14.4, respectively. Although a deep playoff run might be challenging, the Wings have demonstrated significant progress in their rebuilding efforts.