The Dallas Wings game against the Las Vegas Aces attracted many eyeballs, not because of the star matchups, but because of the players missing from the lineup. The Wings rested Paige Bueckers in one of the key fixtures of the season.
Many considered resting the 2025 rookie a load management decision. However, the real reason will surprise and concern the Texas franchise.
Paige Bueckers’ Long-Standing Injury Concern Is The Reason Behind The Rest
PB is a fierce competitor who wants to play every minute of every game. Her skillset, impact, and game IQ certainly qualify her to do so. However, health is a significant concern that keeps her in check from time to time. Sadly, it’s a long-standing injury that will be difficult to cure completely and deal with.
“I’ve been dealing with patellar tendinitis since I was in high school. In a sense, you’re managing it at all times. There’s no day where it probably doesn’t hurt. But to be on the second night of a back-to-back where I just played 38 minutes, it usually never feels great the day after the game. But we usually either have a off day or a light practice day to where I can recover… Assuming I would either have to play a lot of minutes or be managed, we thought it was the smart thing to do to rest and recover,” The Wings Rookie told the media following her win over the Mystics early in July 2025.
A note here: Paige Bueckers hinted in early July that she wouldn't play in back-to-backs due to her lingering knee injury. These comments — from July 2 — came amid her absence in the second of a back-to-back:
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) July 27, 2025
"I’ve been dealing with patellar tendinitis since I was in high… https://t.co/Q2yhC87pyl
The rehab and recovery period is lengthy and requires constant care. The former UConn star described a disciplined recovery regimen that includes cold tubs, red light therapy, manual therapy, and sauna work. The routine works well to keep her ready for the next games.
Injuries Hamper Paige Bueckers’ Illustrious Career
Fans are used to PB’s record-breaking seasons. Due to her medical condition, the player can’t play back-to-back games, but she can suit up after a day’s rest with effective load management and care. Yet multiple injuries limited Hopkins’ star to action and affected her game.
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Multiple knee injuries, including a tibial plateau fracture, meniscus tear, and ACL tear, have limited her playing time at UConn and in her early WNBA career with the Dallas Wings. The 2022 ACL tear was devastating, putting her out for a complete season.
Yet the most concerning one is the Patellar Tendonitis injury she mentioned in her interview. It is a condition that shows inflammation and pain in the patellar tendon. The part connects the kneecap to the shinbone. While there are ways to control the pain and inflammation, 100% cure is not available, limiting the star player’s explosive gameplay.
Also Read: Paige Bueckers One Step Away From Rare WNBA Rookie Record Amid Record-Breaking Season