Dallas Wings fans have reason to celebrate! Star rookie Paige Bueckers has been cleared to return to the court after missing four games due to a concussion and subsequent illness. Head coach Chris Koclanes confirmed that Bueckers will be "good to go" for Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury and will play without any minute restrictions.
Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, suffered a concussion on May 30th and was then sidelined with an illness after being cleared from concussion protocol. Her return comes at a crucial time for the Wings, who are looking to improve their record.
Tough News for Tyasha Harris
However, the news isn't all positive for the Wings. Guard Tyasha Harris will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury that required surgery. Harris, a valuable contributor who started 38 games last season, averaged 10.5 points and 3 assists per game in 2024. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team.
Bueckers' Impact So Far
In her six games with the Wings, Bueckers has showcased her talent, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. She's shooting 43.7% from the floor and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Wings are 1-5 in games where Bueckers has played, with their sole win coming on May 27th when she tallied 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Rookie of the Year Race
Bueckers' absence has also impacted her bid for the Rookie of the Year award, a race that includes fellow highly-touted rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. With her return, Bueckers has the opportunity to make up for lost time and prove why she was the top pick in the draft. All eyes will be on her as she looks to lead the Wings to victory against the Mercury.
Looking Ahead
The Wings will need Bueckers' offensive firepower and playmaking ability to overcome the loss of Harris and climb in the WNBA standings. Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury will be a good test of how quickly Bueckers can regain her rhythm and impact the game.