The highly anticipated WNBA debut of Paige Bueckers didn’t go as many fans had hoped. In what was expected to be a breakout performance from the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Bueckers and the Dallas Wings were dominated in a blowout loss to the Las Vegas Aces, falling 89-66 in their season opener. While Bueckers showed flashes of her potential, it was clear that other rookies around the league made a bigger statement on opening night.

 Bueckers’ Debut: A Tough Welcome to the WNBA

The transition from college to the pros is never easy — and Paige Bueckers found that out the hard way. Against a stacked Las Vegas Aces team featuring MVPs A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, Bueckers struggled to find rhythm. She finished with a modest 9 points, 3 assists, and 4 turnovers on 4-of-11 shooting.

While she showed glimpses of her elite passing vision and leadership, the Aces’ physical defense and playoff-caliber pace proved to be a tough challenge for the young guard. Her timing was just a step behind at times, and Vegas capitalized on nearly every mistake.

 Other Rookies Steal the Spotlight

While Bueckers was finding her footing, other rookies across the league were making waves:

Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) notched a double-double in her debut with 14 points and 11 rebounds, helping her team secure a tight win.

Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks) made an immediate defensive impact with 4 blocks and 10 rebounds, drawing praise from both fans and analysts.

Rickea Jackson (Atlanta Dream) came off the bench and poured in 17 points, giving her team a much-needed scoring punch.

The contrast was striking — while Bueckers played hesitantly at times, her fellow rookies looked aggressive, comfortable, and ready for the moment.

 Social Media Reacts

Fans and analysts flooded social media with reactions after the game:

“I still believe in Paige, but tonight wasn’t it. Rough debut, but it’s a long season.”

“Angel Reese and Cameron Brink looked like veterans. Bueckers will catch up, but the gap was clear tonight.”

“The hype was REAL for Paige, but other rookies stole the show.”

Some fans came to her defense, pointing out that the Aces are a championship team, and expecting Bueckers to carry the Wings to victory in her first game was unrealistic.

 Dallas Wings: Growing Pains Ahead

The Dallas Wings looked outmatched from the opening tip. While Arike Ogunbowale did her best to keep the offense afloat, the team lacked cohesion, and their defense couldn’t slow down Vegas’s star-studded lineup. The chemistry between Bueckers and the rest of the roster is still a work in progress — and it showed.

Head coach Chris Koclanes addressed the performance after the game:

“It’s a tough first outing, but this is part of the process. Paige is learning, and we’re learning with her. This loss isn’t on one player — it’s on all of us to get better.”

 What’s Next for Bueckers?

Despite the rocky start, it’s far too early to panic. Paige Bueckers has the skill, intelligence, and competitive fire to thrive in the WNBA — but fans may need to be patient. The Wings will look to bounce back in their next matchup against the Chicago Sky, and Bueckers will have another chance to show what she’s capable of against fellow rookie Angel Reese.