Paige Bueckers Faces Double-Team Challenge Following Tough Start In WNBA

Paige Bueckers, the top pick in the WNBA draft, is confident she will adapt to being double-teamed. Despite her efforts, the Dallas Wings faced a second consecutive defeat on Monday. Bueckers was chosen first by Dallas in April after they ended last season with a 9-31 record. She became the sixth player to be picked first in the same year as winning a national championship.

Bueckers led UConn to their first NCAA title in nearly ten years, joining Breanna Stewart as the only players since 2016 to achieve this feat. However, she is still seeking her first win two games into her WNBA career. The Wings lost their opener against Minnesota Lynx and were defeated 79-71 by Seattle Storm on Monday.

Nneka Ogwumike's impressive performance with 23 points and 18 rebounds contributed to Seattle's victory. Bueckers scored a team-high 19 points for Dallas but frequently faced two defenders from Seattle. This defensive strategy is something she must learn to navigate effectively.

"It's probably smart to blitz and get the ball out of my hands," Bueckers explained post-game. "I'm just trying to adjust offensively on how to counteract those traps." She acknowledged that adapting to these defensive tactics is crucial for her development.

Bueckers mentioned that sometimes she needs to create opportunities for teammates during transitions. "It's just a different look that defenses are throwing at me," she noted about the adjustments required in her game plan. Her focus remains on learning and improving through these challenges.

The Wings will face Minnesota again on Wednesday in their first away game of the season. Bueckers hopes this matchup will bring her initial victory in the WNBA as she continues adapting to professional play.