The Dallas Wings might have had a tough 2025 season, with the fewest wins among the competitors, but the 2026 roster seems determined to deliver a stronger response in all senses. The franchise once again assembled a top-tier team around Paige Bueckers, who now enters her second year in the league, and an experienced coach capable of delivering results.
Although the side was among the top five teams in the 2026 season, the real challenge came in the very first game, with the 2025 semifinalist and revamped Fever team hosting the Texas franchise.
Jose Fernandez Calls Paige Bueckers A Special Player
The matchup between two teams had three of the most recent Rookie of the Year winners, another top pick, and a strong candidate for the same accolade. While the Fever team was looking to cut the deficit and get closer to the Dallas Tally, PB made plays and scored baskets to keep their noses in front throughout the game.
Lauding her performance, the coach had nothing but praise for her game IQ. “She’s special…she is. She’s special. She reads how she’s being guarded. Having coached against her, and seeing her now. She’s seeing things two three times ahead of stuff, it’s just remarkable…especially under pressure too,” Jose Fernandez said in the press conference.
Jose Fernandez on Paige Bueckers
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) May 9, 2026
She’s special…she is. She’s special. She reads how she’s being guarded. Having coached against her, and seeing her now. She’s seeing things two three times ahead of stuff, it’s just remarkable…especially under pressure too. pic.twitter.com/ShfApQqP8d
In a tightly contested game, the former UConn star scored 20 points, shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the two-point range. With three rebounds, a steal, and four assists, the player showcased her overall impact on the game.
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Looking at her flawless performance and quick chemistry with the ‘new team’, there is no doubt why the League GMs see Bueckers as the most preferred player to build a team around in the recent survey. Also interestingly, the 23-year-old showed her confidence by throwing a taunting gesture towards the Fever bench.
Paige Bueckers Taunts Sophie Cunningham And Fever Bench During Game
Midway through the game, with two or three defenders sharing the duty of guarding the 2025 rookie, it was obvious the player was causing havoc in the opposition camp. She still managed to have high numbers with great efficiency.
On one play, she shrugged off veteran defender Cunningham on the floor and scored an easy basket. Going back on defense, Paige Bueckers gave the “too small” gesture to the Fever player and did the same in the fourth quarter, too, when the Fever team looked to get back in the contest.
Paige Bueckers letting Sophie Cunningham know she too small to be in the paint pic.twitter.com/zsXagzcCR4
— DMWSports (@dmwsports) May 9, 2026
While the win was certainly a great accomplishment for the Wings, they would look to maintain the momentum in the upcoming games as well.