Dallas Wings Rookie Paige Bueckers to Miss Third Straight Game Due to Concussion, Team Struggles Deepen

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dallas Wings rookie sensation Paige Bueckers will miss her third consecutive game due to a concussion when the Wings host the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night. The absence of the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft has left a gaping hole in Dallas’ lineup at a time when the team is desperately seeking stability and leadership.

Bueckers entered the WNBA’s concussion protocol following a high-scoring 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky on May 29. While the team confirmed that she would be out for at least two games, they have not released specific details about the play or incident that caused the concussion. Her continued absence raises growing concerns not only about her health but also about the Wings’ ability to remain competitive in a tough league.

The rookie guard, drafted out of UConn after a stellar collegiate career, was off to a promising start before the injury. Through her first several games in the pros, Bueckers averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.0 steals while logging nearly 34 minutes per game. Her impact on both ends of the floor was immediate—bringing energy, vision, and scoring prowess to a rebuilding Dallas squad.

Since her injury, Bueckers has missed two critical matchups: a home rematch against the Sky and a tough road game against Seattle Storm. Without her on the floor, the Wings’ offense has struggled to find rhythm and consistency. Turnovers have increased, ball movement has stagnated, and the team has lacked the kind of composure that Bueckers brought, even as a rookie.

At 1-7, Dallas sits at the bottom of the WNBA standings, and the pressure is mounting. The franchise had high hopes for Bueckers, who entered the league with immense fanfare as a three-time Associated Press All-American and one of the most celebrated prospects in recent memory. Her injury not only hinders Dallas’s short-term performance but also delays the long-term chemistry the team was hoping to build around her.

Friday night’s matchup against the Sparks was originally seen as a chance for the Wings to get back on track, but without their star rookie, the task becomes significantly more difficult. The coaching staff has been forced to rotate less experienced players into starting roles, testing the depth of a roster that was already one of the youngest in the league.

There is still no confirmed timetable for Bueckers’ return. The team has emphasized that her recovery is the top priority and that she will not be rushed back onto the court before receiving full medical clearance. For now, fans and teammates alike can only hope that she continues to recover quickly and fully.

As the season progresses, Dallas faces an uphill battle—not just in the standings, but in maintaining morale and developing a winning culture. And for that, the return of Paige Bueckers can’t come soon enough.