Paige Bueckers shares massive personal update following return from lengthy absence: "Felt a little winded"

Paige Bueckers delivered a sensational individual performance during the Dallas Wings' 93-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. She showed no signs of rust despite returning after a 13-day absence, exploding for a career-high 35 points.

Bueckers shot 13 of 19 from the field, including 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, putting on an offensive clinic despite the team’s struggles.

Initially sidelined due to concussion protocol, Bueckers was kept out even longer as she battled illness, ultimately missing four games. Following her much-anticipated return on Wednesday, the No. 1 overall pick shared a significant update on her health and recovery journey.

"Felt a little winded coming back from a break and I feel like I could have used my voice more," Bueckers said. "Been more disruptive. Crashed the glass more. It feels good to be healthy for the most part. Basketball is a game that I love and this is a group that I love to be around so to be back out there felt great."

Myah Taylor

@t_myah

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Bueckers said she "felt a little winded coming back from a break and I feel like I could have used my voice more. Been more disruptive. Crashed the glass more."

Paige Bueckers' return wasn’t enough to end the Wings’ skid as the team dropped its fifth straight game. However, the spotlight firmly belonged to the former UConn star, whose incredible performance stole the show.

Paige Bueckers ready to embrace leadership role

The Dallas Wings have struggled this season, and it’s no surprise they find themselves at the bottom of the standings with a dismal 1-9 record. What the franchise desperately needs is a spark, a leader to breathe life back into the team. Paige Bueckers appears ready to lead the charge.

"Just trying to lead by example," Bueckers said. "Lead with my voice and just have difficult conversations. Get to know these people on and off the court. ... Like anything in life it's a journey and a process."

Myah Taylor

@t_myah

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Paige Bueckers on the process of growing as a leader on the team: "It's challenging, but very rewarding in the sense of you just being super process-oriented and not result-oriented. We want to have a set of standards. Build a culture. Have a way we do things and stick to that." "... Just trying to lead by example," she continued. "Lead with my voice and just have difficult conversations. Get to know these people on and off the court. ... Like anything in life it's a journey and a process."

The Wings are set to face A’ja Wilson's Las Vegas Aces next, a team that has also faced its share of struggles this season. Bueckers will aim to build on her recent performance and help her team end its losing streak.