Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers has been placed in the WNBA’s concussion protocol and will miss at least the next two games, the team announced Friday. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft sustained the injury during Thursday’s 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky. While the exact moment of injury is unclear, Bueckers collided with Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot in the second quarter.
Despite the collision, Bueckers continued to play, logging 36 minutes and contributing 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Her performance underscored her resilience and importance to the Wings’ lineup.
Bueckers will be sidelined for Saturday’s home game against the Sky and Tuesday’s road matchup against the Seattle Storm. She is scheduled to be re-evaluated after the game in Seattle, with a potential return on June 6 when the Wings host the Los Angeles Sparks.
In her first six WNBA games, Bueckers has averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. She leads the team in assists, steals (2.0), and blocks (1.0) per game, while logging a team-high 34.0 minutes per contest.
Before joining the WNBA, Bueckers had an illustrious college career at UConn, where she was named Big East Player of the Year three times and won the Naismith College Player of the Year as a freshman. She concluded her collegiate tenure with a national championship victory over South Carolina.
The Wings, currently holding a 1-5 record, will look to adjust their lineup in Bueckers’ absence. Her leadership and playmaking abilities have been central to the team’s strategies, and her temporary loss will be a significant challenge.