Fresh off being named WNBA Rookie of the Year, Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers has wasted no time pushing herself into new territory. The dynamic guard has begun her first run in the fast-paced 3-on-3 Unrivaled League, and she’s already turning heads. A smooth sidestep three-pointer that quickly went viral served as an early reminder that Bueckers is operating at an elite level, regardless of the stage.
Bueckers made an immediate impact in her Unrivaled debut with Breeze BC, pouring in 24 points in a 69–62 victory over Phantom BC. After the game, she reflected on how different the experience feels compared to traditional WNBA play. In a conversation with Candace Parker, Bueckers didn’t shy away from the truth, noting that Unrivaled demands an even higher level of toughness and individual defense than the WNBA.
According to Bueckers, the lack of help defense in the 3-on-3 format changes everything. With fewer teammates to rely on, players are often left alone to defend in space. She explained that while physicality is already a defining trait of the WNBA, Unrivaled turns up the intensity even more, forcing players to accept that getting beaten one-on-one is sometimes unavoidable.
That mindset reflects the confidence Bueckers has carried throughout her rise. In her rookie WNBA season, she averaged 19.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, immediately establishing herself as a cornerstone for the Wings. Beyond the professional level, she has also continued to shine on the international stage, recently joining Team USA training camp alongside standout names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, and Aliyah Boston.
Rather than slowing down or waiting her turn, Bueckers continues to accelerate her growth. From leading UConn to a national championship to excelling in the WNBA and now embracing the challenges of Unrivaled, her trajectory points firmly upward. If her early performances are any indication, this latest chapter may be laying the foundation for an even bigger sophomore season, reinforcing the idea that her best basketball is still ahead.
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