"Better than Chelsea Gray": WNBA fans explode as Paige Bueckers' heroics continue in massive win over Mercury

Paige Bueckers led the Dallas Wings to a 98-89 win against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday. The former UConn star finished the game with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. She combined with fellow rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James to carry the team to an impressive victory.

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Fans promptly reacted to Bueckers’ steady and efficient performance:

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Paige Bueckers could not miss in the first quarter. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft ended the period with eight points behind 3-for-3 shooting and added two assists to her tally. Bueckers’ hot start pushed the Wings to a 32-20 lead that they would never relinquish.

Bueckers had a tough task entering the game. Without resident gunner Arike Ogunbowale, the rookie had to help carry the scoring load and run the offense. Instead of caving into pressure, she delivered when needed most.

While Bueckers played the hero, Chelsea Gray had a rough night for the Las Vegas Aces against the Indiana Fever. The six-time All-Star had her worst game in years, contributing two points, three rebounds, two assists and five turnovers in the Aces’ 81-54 loss.

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Fans could not help but contrast both star point guards’ performance on Thursday.

Paige Bueckers played well against Chelsea Gray in their first WNBA encounter

In mid-June, Chelsea Gray and the Las Vegas Aces hosted Paige Bueckers in the Dallas Wings in a highly anticipated WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash. Behind the rookie, the Wings refused to be fazed by their star-studded opponents and the crowd that packed the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Sin City.

Dallas carried a 70-64 lead entering the fourth quarter. Arike Ogunbowale's hot hand pushed the Wings to the front after trailing 24-18 in the opening period.

Egged by the home fans, the Aces overwhelmed the Wings in the fourth quarter 24-14 to rally for an 88-84 win. Paige Bueckers, in her first encounter against the "Point Gawd," delivered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Chelsea Gray put up 13 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals.

The point guards will square off again in Dallas on July 13.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero