By Jamal Baker
NDG COntributing Writer
Dallas Wings star rookie guard Paige Bueckers nearly notched a double-double in a 90-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday—extending the Wings’ losing streak to five games.
Bueckers finished with nine points and nine assists on 3-of-12 shooting from the field—snapping her 30-game scoring streak of double-digit points to start her career.
The former UConn superstar has proven to be well beyond her years with her ability to get to her spots on the offensive end of the floor and run the offense at a high level. She is on pace for the team’s assist record—needing 37 more with six games remaining on the Wings’ schedule.
Last week, Bueckers became the first player in WNBA history to score 40-plus points while shooting at least 80%.
“I’ve always prided myself and the team on winning so that’s obviously the main goal. Honestly, I think I’m just most proud of this team, like, the way we fight… This team just means so much to me.
“The way we love each other, like, it could be easy for us to sit here and be nine in whatever we are and be miserable and hate coming to work but just how we show up for each other, we’re learning and growing together… As much as success and the wins haven’t translated yet, what we’re building here, it just makes me so happy. I’m just super grateful for it,” Bueckers said.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was seen sitting courtside during Sunday’s matchup and offered advice to Bueckers.
“Always keep learning,” Kidd said. “I’m here watching and learning. I think we can always learn from each other. She’s one of the best in the world. She’s a rookie. She has shown she can play at a high level, and we’re getting better here in Dallas. We’re gonna win championships.”
Kidd recognized the unique situation of the current state of Dallas hoops with both the Mavericks and Wings potentially drafting two generational talents in the same year.
“The basketball gods were great to us when you talk about two number ones with Paige and Cooper [Flagg] so just understanding the future is bright,” Kidd said.
With Bueckers and Flagg poised to lead their respective franchises, Dallas is shaping up to be the future epicenter of basketball excellence.
Flagg is entering the league with an immeasurable amount of hype surrounding his name.
Former No. 1 overall pick and six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin recently expressed his excitement about the kind of prospect Flagg could become.
“I think he’s the most complete player that we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory,” Griffin said on the Post Moves podcast with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston. “I’m not saying he doesn’t have room to grow, he still has a ton of room to grow, but he passes, he shoots, he defends, he rebounds. He seems like a great teammate, seems like a great kid.
With a 6-9, 221-pound frame and 7-0 wingspan, Flagg’s unique versatility on both ends of the floor has the potential to present matchup nightmares for opposing teams.
During NBA Summer League play, the former Duke superstar showcased his ability to play on the ball and initiate offense while also being able to defend smaller quicker guards.
“What’s the red flag? Which is really exciting for basketball to have these young guys. I mean, even Wemby (Victor Wembanyama), very complete, as well. But Cooper is able to play so many different positions, guard so many different positions, that is exciting,” Griffin said.
Flagg is also joining a Mavericks team that has playoff expectations and a solid core already in place.
If Cooper Flagg can meet the lofty expectations surrounding him, he has the potential not only to make an immediate impact but also to help elevate the Mavericks into legitimate championship contention.
