Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White is generous when it comes to complimenting her players, praising them for their talent, tenacity, and character. When she sees someone who needs to be lauded, she doesn’t hold back, even when that player is from the opposing team.
The Fever’s matchup against the Dallas Wings on Sunday was filled with anticipation. Many were excited to see Indiana star Caitlin Clark go up against Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers. While the Fever came out on top, White came out impressed with Bueckers.
Stephanie White Salutes Paige Bueckers
The Fever cruised to the victory, 102-83, and improved to 11-10. They banked on a strong first half, wherein they scored a league-high 62 points. Clark, in her third game back from a groin injury, played only 25 minutes. She finished with 14 points, 13 assists, and career-high-tying five steals.
Bueckers, on the other hand, had 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Once again, the multi-faceted guard showcased her all-around game, which made the Wings more than eager to draft her as the first overall pick.
“She always stays neutral. She doesn’t get rushed. Her pace, her poise, her decision-making (are impressive). When you play somebody who has really high IQ and is elite in all areas, and they just try and maintain that flow, it makes it tough,” said White in a report from Irish Star’s Joseph McBride.
“That’s the difference between good players and great players. It’s fun to watch, not as an opponent on the sidelines. For Paige, she’s figuring it out.”
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
For White, there are other impressive factors about the 23-year-old Bueckers, who helped lead the University of Connecticut to the national title in April. That’s high praise from a champion coach. White led the Fever to their one and only title in 2012.
Paige Bueckers And Caitlin Clark In The WNBA All-Star Game
In just her rookie season, Bueckers was voted as one of the starters in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19.
Unfortunately for fans of the Wings and the Fever, she and Clark won’t play on the same squad. As a team captain, Clark had several chances to draft Bueckers but chose veterans instead. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, the other team captain, selected the Wings newcomer as the last pick among the starters.
Perhaps Clark was sending a subtle message to Bueckers to fall in line behind the more established All-Stars. After all, while the midseason classic is a fun affair, the competitiveness among the players remains burning.