BREAKING: Dallas Wings Suffer Major Blow as Paige Bueckers Enters Concussion Protocol, Will Miss Two Key Games

The Dallas Wings have been dealt a tough blow just as the team was beginning to find its rhythm in the early stages of the WNBA season. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and one of the league’s most electrifying young stars, has entered the league’s concussion protocol following Thursday night’s loss to the Chicago Sky.

The announcement came on Friday afternoon, just 24 hours after the Wings’ hard-fought 97-92 road loss in Chicago. After the game, team medical personnel evaluated Bueckers and confirmed she had sustained a concussion. As a result, she will miss Saturday’s rematch against the Sky and Tuesday’s game on the road against the Seattle Storm.

A Promising Start Interrupted

Bueckers has been everything the Wings hoped for and more. Through six games, the rookie has dazzled fans and analysts alike with her poise, playmaking, and leadership. She’s averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game—numbers that not only put her in Rookie of the Year conversations but also make her one of the most impactful players in the entire league.

Her performance on Thursday night was no exception. In just her sixth WNBA game, Bueckers filled the stat sheet with 15 points, eight assists, three steals, and three blocked shots. She and veteran star Arike Ogunbowale pushed the Sky to the limit, keeping the Wings within striking distance until the final minute of regulation. While the Wings ultimately came up short, Bueckers’ presence on the floor was undeniable.

Now, Dallas will have to navigate the next stretch of games without her.

Paige Bueckers (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

A Void at Point Guard

With Bueckers sidelined, the Wings may look to Tyasha Harris to fill the void at point guard. Harris, however, is also dealing with her own setback. She missed Thursday’s game due to a knee injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s rematch. If Harris is unable to go, head coach Latricia Trammell could be forced to get creative with her lineups, potentially giving more minutes to backup guards Veronica Burton and Odyssey Sims.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Dallas is currently 2-4 and looking to climb the standings in a Western Conference that has become increasingly competitive. Losing Bueckers for any amount of time makes that uphill battle even steeper.

Fan Reactions Pour In

News of Bueckers’ injury quickly spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of love and concern from fans across the league.

“Healing prayers for Paige and Ty 🙏🫶🙏,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), referencing both injured Wings guards.

“Praying for nothing too serious, you’ll come back stronger than ever ❤️,” another added.

“Prayers for Paige 💔 get better soon ❤️‍🩹,” wrote a third.

Others emphasized the importance of rest and recovery, especially with head injuries. “Prayers up to Paige 🙏🏽❤️‍🩹. Hopefully it’s just precautionary, but she needs that rest anyway,” one supporter commented.

For many fans, Bueckers’ emergence has been one of the bright spots of the young WNBA season. Her court vision, basketball IQ, and clutch shot-making have drawn comparisons to legends of the game. To see her sidelined, even briefly, is a reminder of how fragile the season can be.

A Rookie Making a Veteran Impact

Though it’s still early in the season, Bueckers’ numbers are already turning heads. She currently ranks fifth in the league in assists and is dominating nearly every major statistical category among rookies. She’s second in rookie scoring, third in rebounding, first in assists, second in steals, and tied for second in blocked shots.

Her impact goes far beyond the box score. Whether she’s running the fast break, threading a no-look pass through traffic, or hitting a cold-blooded mid-range jumper, Bueckers has brought an energy and confidence to the Wings that has fans and analysts alike buzzing.

“She’s not just playing like a rookie,” said WNBA analyst Monica McNutt in a recent broadcast. “She’s playing like a floor general. Like someone who’s been in this league for years.”

That praise is not unwarranted. Bueckers came into the WNBA with lofty expectations after a storied college career at UConn. During her final season, she averaged 19.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, shooting a remarkable 53.4% from the field. She carried the Huskies to deep tournament runs and built a reputation as one of the most clutch players in the country.

It’s that pedigree that made her the consensus top pick in the draft—and so far, she’s lived up to the hype.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)

The Bigger Picture

While Bueckers’ injury is undoubtedly a setback, the Wings are taking a cautious approach. Concussions are no joke in professional sports, and the WNBA has strict protocols in place to protect players’ long-term health. There is no definitive timetable for her return beyond the two games she is already slated to miss, and Dallas will continue to evaluate her status day by day.

The team will also need to consider the mental toll of an injury like this. Bueckers has already endured multiple injuries during her college career, including a major knee injury that cost her most of her sophomore season. But she’s proven time and time again that resilience is part of her DNA.

“She’s a fighter,” coach Trammell said in a postgame press conference. “Paige is one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached, mentally and physically. We’re going to support her through this and make sure she comes back when she’s fully ready.”

What’s Next for Dallas?

The Wings will host the Chicago Sky again on Saturday in what is now shaping up to be a crucial early-season matchup. Without Bueckers—and possibly without Harris—the team’s backcourt will face enormous pressure to step up.

All eyes will likely turn to Ogunbowale, who has been the team’s leading scorer and vocal leader. The former Notre Dame star is no stranger to high-pressure situations and will need to carry even more of the offensive load in Bueckers’ absence.

After that, the Wings head to Seattle for a Tuesday night battle with Jewell Loyd and the Storm, a team that’s also fighting for playoff positioning in a crowded Western race.

Final Thoughts

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but they often reveal just how resilient players—and teams—can be. For Paige Bueckers, this concussion is a speed bump, not a roadblock. Her performance in the first six games of the season has already cemented her status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Now, the Wings will have to rally without their rookie phenom—and when she returns, expect her to come back with the same fire, flair, and fearlessness that made her a household name long before she ever stepped onto a WNBA court.

Until then, fans will continue sending thoughts, prayers, and well wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Because the league is simply better when Paige Bueckers is on the floor.