Paige Bueckers Fails to Impress on Napheesa Collier’s Record-Setting Night in WNBA 2025 Season Opener
It was supposed to be a dream debut for Paige Bueckers. Playing close to her home town, the city was ready to welcome her with a special sign – Welcome to Paige Bueckers’ Town, Minnesota. But the UConn star failed miserably on the court. On the other hand, Napheesa Collier stole the show with a record-setting night in the WNBA 2025 season.
The Minnesota Lynx hosted the Dallas Wings in the opening game of the WNBA 2025 season. The 2024 finalists were up against the most hyped side with the inclusion of the number 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. The national champion was expected to hit the ground running after a strong preseason and collegiate career, but he struggled miserably. Shooting just 30% from the field, Paige scored 10 points from 10 attempts. Was it a failed debut? No.
Even though the star struggled on the shooting end, she collected seven rebounds and two assists. The Wings lost the game 99-84 against Napheesa Collier’s. Yes, it was the 2024 MVP runner-up who was the best player on the floor or both sides.
Scoring 34 points on the opening night, Napheesa Collier set a record for the most points in the WNBA opening night game and joined other elites like Maya Moore, Alex Smith and Candese Parker. Netting 12 off 21 shots from the field, Colliers was perfect from the free-throw line. She also dished out four assists and collected four rebounds in the game.
Also Read: WNBA 2025 Early Predictions for Championship, MVP & Rookie of the Year Winners
Napheesa Collier Put Strong Second-Half Show to Hand Paige Bueckers ‘L’ on Debut
Even though the stats of the superstars might show Lynx as the dominant team on the court, the game was closer than imagined. New look Wings side managed to level the score at halftime. Colliers called for defensive plays from the side as she took care of the offensive load in the second half.
The Lynx took the game away with under five minutes to go in the third quarter with an 18-8 run to close the quarter strongly. Dallas never got back within single digits and trailed by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter. Courtney Williams was another star for the Lynx, who scored 25 points, while Dallas experienced guard Arike Ogunbowale scored a team-high 16 points but struggled to be effective with her shots.
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