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Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings squared off against the Las Vegas Aces in a Commissioner's Cup clash at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday. Making her second straight appearance after a four-game absence, Bueckers started alongside Arike Ogunbowale, Luisa Geiselsoder, Myisha Hines-Allen and DiJonai Carrington.
Coming off a career-high 35-point performance, Bueckers struggled to find her shooting touch. While she showed flashes of her offensive prowess in the third quarter, her overall efficiency was well below her usual standard.
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The Wings rookie finished with 16 points on 7 of 19 shooting, including 0 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line. She also recorded two rebounds, five assists and two steals in 37:54 minutes. She finished with a plus/minus rating of -6.
Paige Bueckers through 4 quarters vs. Las Vegas Aces
Coming off a red-hot performance against the Phoenix Mercury, Bueckers struggled to replicate that form early on. After scoring 12 points in the opening quarter of her last outing, she managed just four points in the first period against an Aces team missing star forward A’ja Wilson.
Her shooting woes continued in the second quarter, where she converted just one of her three attempts. Bueckers’ playmaking also fell below its usual standard, making it a tough first half for the rookie.
At halftime, Paige Bueckers had six points on 3 of 8 shooting from the floor, including 0 of 1 from beyond the arc. She also recorded two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 17:54 minutes.
Bueckers came out with heightened aggression in the third quarter, putting up six shot attempts and igniting a remarkable turnaround for the Wings. Her offensive assertiveness fueled the team's comeback, transforming a nine-point deficit into a six-point lead. The rookie chipped in six points and dished out four assists during the pivotal stretch.
The No. 1 overall pick went ice cold in the fourth quarter, struggling to find her rhythm when it mattered most. Her shooting slump had a direct impact on the Wings, who squandered an 11-point lead and suffered their seventh straight loss. Bueckers attempted five shots in the final period but converted just one.
