Latest news with #Bueckers
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Kyrie Irving fires up after Paige Bueckers hits buzzer-beater three for Wings against Clark-less Fever
(Image Source - Getty Images) Paige Bueckers lit up the first half with a logo-range dagger that had fans on their feet and Kyrie Irving jumping out of his seat. It wasn't just a buzzer-beater, it was a statement. As the Fever struggled without Caitlin Clark, Bueckers grabbed her moment, bringing energy, belief, and a little NBA magic to the floor. Her 12th point of the half might just be her most unforgettable. Paige Bueckers hit a wild logo three at the buzzer and the crowd lost it The vibe was electric at the American Airlines Center on June 27, 2025. During a close contest, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers pulled off a daring logo shot to finish the first half—her 12th point of the half—doing it in true Caitlin Clark style, even with Clark out due to a groin injury. The crowd erupted, and as the referee's whistles still echoed, Bueckers sprinted to the sideline. Right there, Kyrie Irving—Bueckers's self-proclaimed favorite NBA star—jumped up and gave her a quick dap, sealing the moment and merging WNBA talent with NBA stardom. At the end of the half, Indiana was still in the lead by 13, but the momentum had noticeably changed. The Fever, who were missing their superstar Caitlin Clark averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds, but going through a rough patch with a 1-for-23 shooting slump from three-point range on the road, were feeling the pressure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Plastic Surgeon Reveals The 1 Thing Every Woman Should Be Using Instead Of Moisturiser New Skin Discovery Undo Bueckers's signature shot not only reduced the lead but also energized the Wings and their star-studded audience. Bueckers has always talked about her dream of having a big-game moment with Irving—ever since she got to Dallas on Media Day, where she referred to him as her favorite player "forever". Now that dream has become a reality, proving her journey from an ACL comeback in college to thriving as a WNBA rookie in the same city as the nine-time NBA All-Star. Their shared background goes further: both dealt with ACL injuries (Irving's in March 2025, Bueckers's in 2022) and bounced back stronger, creating a natural connection. When Irving was courtside on Thursday, the combination of chants, whistles, and Bueckers's shot resulted in one of the standout rookie moments of the young WNBA season. Even with her amazing performances, Bueckers's team started this season at the bottom of the standings with a record of 4–12. Still, her personal stats—17.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game—are similar to Clark's impressive numbers. She's gaining national recognition, not only for her skills on the court but also for advocating for her fellow players—publicly supporting Caitlin Clark and challenging the 'inhumane' pressure put on young talents. Also Read: LeBron James celebrates his electric boat team's strong finish in Italy but the real test is still ahead As the Wings strive to narrow the distance, Bueckers keeps evolving amidst both attention and challenges. Plus, with Irving's approval, that development seems deeply affirmed. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Fox Sports
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Fever start fast without Caitlin Clark, hang on for 94-86 win over Wings and Paige Bueckers
Associated Press DALLAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 32 points, and the Indiana Fever held on without the injured Caitlin Clark, taking a 22-point lead in the first quarter before finishing off a 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Clark's left groin injury spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the WNBA draft. The game was the first at the home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for the Wings, who took Paige Bueckers first overall this year. The Wings, who are planning a move to downtown Dallas in the next couple of years, have played about 20 miles away on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington since moving to the area nine years ago. Bueckers sparked a rally by beating the first-half buzzer with a long 3-pointer after a steal and finished with 27 points despite a cold start from the field. The Wings took a lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23 in the first half, but couldn't overcome 26% shooting in the first 10 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 for Dallas. Aliyah Boston scored 21 points and Natasha Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds and three steals for the Fever, who made all 11 of their shots from inside the 3-point arc in the first quarter and shot 59% for the game. The absence of Clark, who missed a second consecutive game after sitting out five earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, didn't keep the crowd or the pro sports stars away. The 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was nearly full, and among the fans were nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks, star pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old Flagg was drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke by the Mavericks on Wednesday, a little more than two months after the Wings selected Bueckers. Flagg, who got a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board in the third quarter, was introduced to the Dallas media earlier Friday. Cade Cunningham, a Dallas-area resident and the No. 1 overall choice by the Detroit Pistons four years ago, sat near Parsons. Even with all the star power, there were plenty of Clark — and Fever — backers in the crowd, delighted by the quick start with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on the bench in street clothes. The Wings took their only lead at 80-79 on JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Aari McDonald started a clinching 9-0 run for the Fever with a bucket that broke an 82-82 tie. ___ AP WNBA:
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Fever start fast without Caitlin Clark, hang on for 94-86 win over Wings and Paige Bueckers
DALLAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 32 points, and the Indiana Fever held on without the injured Caitlin Clark, taking a 22-point lead in the first quarter before finishing off a 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Clark's left groin injury spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the WNBA draft. The game was the first at the home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for the Wings, who took Paige Bueckers first overall this year. The Wings, who are planning a move to downtown Dallas in the next couple of years, have played about 20 miles away on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington since moving to the area nine years ago. Bueckers sparked a rally by beating the first-half buzzer with a long 3-pointer after a steal and finished with 27 points despite a cold start from the field. The Wings took a lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23 in the first half, but couldn't overcome 26% shooting in the first 10 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 for Dallas. Aliyah Boston scored 21 points and Natasha Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds and three steals for the Fever, who made all 11 of their shots from inside the 3-point arc in the first quarter and shot 59% for the game. The absence of Clark, who missed a second consecutive game after sitting out five earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, didn't keep the crowd or the pro sports stars away. The 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was nearly full, and among the fans were nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks, star pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old Flagg was drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke by the Mavericks on Wednesday, a little more than two months after the Wings selected Bueckers. Flagg, who got a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board in the third quarter, was introduced to the Dallas media earlier Friday. Cade Cunningham, a Dallas-area resident and the No. 1 overall choice by the Detroit Pistons four years ago, sat near Parsons. Even with all the star power, there were plenty of Clark — and Fever — backers in the crowd, delighted by the quick start with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on the bench in street clothes. The Wings took their only lead at 80-79 on JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Aari McDonald started a clinching 9-0 run for the Fever with a bucket that broke an 82-82 tie. ___ AP WNBA:
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fever start fast without Caitlin Clark, hang on for 94-86 win over Wings and Paige Bueckers
DALLAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 32 points, and the Indiana Fever held on without the injured Caitlin Clark, taking a 22-point lead in the first quarter before finishing off a 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Clark's left groin injury spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the WNBA draft. The game was the first at the home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for the Wings, who took Paige Bueckers first overall this year. The Wings, who are planning a move to downtown Dallas in the next couple of years, have played about 20 miles away on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington since moving to the area nine years ago. Bueckers sparked a rally by beating the first-half buzzer with a long 3-pointer after a steal and finished with 27 points despite a cold start from the field. The Wings took a lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23 in the first half, but couldn't overcome 26% shooting in the first 10 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 for Dallas. Aliyah Boston scored 21 points and Natasha Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds and three steals for the Fever, who made all 11 of their shots from inside the 3-point arc in the first quarter and shot 59% for the game. The absence of Clark, who missed a second consecutive game after sitting out five earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, didn't keep the crowd or the pro sports stars away. The 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was nearly full, and among the fans were nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks, star pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old Flagg was drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke by the Mavericks on Wednesday, a little more than two months after the Wings selected Bueckers. Flagg, who got a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board in the third quarter, was introduced to the Dallas media earlier Friday. Cade Cunningham, a Dallas-area resident and the No. 1 overall choice by the Detroit Pistons four years ago, sat near Parsons. Even with all the star power, there were plenty of Clark — and Fever — backers in the crowd, delighted by the quick start with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on the bench in street clothes. The Wings took their only lead at 80-79 on JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Aari McDonald started a clinching 9-0 run for the Fever with a bucket that broke an 82-82 tie. ___ AP WNBA:
Indianapolis Star
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Paige Bueckers says Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark deals with social media hate well
Dallas Wings rookie star Paige Bueckers is no stranger to online criticism, and neither is Caitlin Clark. A day before the Wings hosted the Indiana Fever, Bueckers talked to the media about the pressure young athletes face on social media. Bueckers said Clark handles the online hate with "grace." "The pressure that she's put on every single night to perform at the level that she does," Bueckers said. "It's inhumane, really, to expect people to be perfect and to not have off games or off nights. If she doesn't go 8-for-10 from 3, people are questioning things. It's unfair to have to deal with that." Bueckers said the criticism is something players in all sports have to deal with. "It's just what comes with it," Bueckers said. "Every player has to deal with it in some shape or form. In the NBA, it's way worse. But you just deal with it."
