It’s almost like the basketball gods are recycling scripts—just changing the names. In 2024, Caitlin Clark opened her rookie WNBA season with five straight losses before finally breaking through—poetically, with a win over NCAA rival Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. Now, it’s Paige Bueckers’ turn to follow fate’s outline.

After dropping her first four games in the league, Bueckers just notched her first W as a pro. And where did it happen? Fittingly, in Connecticut—her home away from home—where she once dazzled in a Huskies jersey and led UConn to NCAA glory. And waiting courtside? A full-circle cameo from her college crew—including Kaitlyn Chen, now repping Wings colors, but still very much part of the Paige Bueckers story. That backdrop made what happened on the court all the more poetic.

Bueckers dropped 21 points, dished out 7 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds as the Dallas Wings cruised to a 109–87 blowout win over the Connecticut Sun. For Bueckers, it was a magical return—sealing her first WNBA win in the very place her college legend was born.

But the real magic unfolded after the final buzzer, off the court. Cameras caught her running into the arms of former UConn teammates: Kaitlyn Chen, Jana El Alfy, and more. Laughter, hugs, and a teasing “First win at work!” from Jana lit up the moment. 

For longtime Huskies fans, it was a reminder: these aren’t just athletes—they’re sisters. “They mean everything to me,” Paige had said. “All that they’ve helped me get through. All the ups and downs, the highs and lows. They’ve seen every side of me and the love there is unconditional.” It was only right all of it unfolded the way it did. 

While Bueckers now plays under brighter lights and bigger expectations, Tuesday night felt like a bridge between two worlds—one foot in the pros, the other still rooted in Storrs.

Her co-star, Arike Ogunbowale, carried the same grooving “Zaza energy” from the day before, pouring in 19 points—including a scorching 15 in the third quarter—to help lift Dallas to a convincing win over the Sun. After the game, Bueckers—the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft—shared a smile and a hug with Sun guard Marina Mabrey following some friendly jawing during the contest.

In fact, Bueckers was up against all-time UConn great Tina Charles (who had a 27 pt game), the second-highest scorer in WNBA history behind only Diana Taurasi. Alongside Charles were fellow Huskies Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Bria Hartley, both with the Sun. Bueckers got to savor a special moment with these fellow alums after securing a win against them too.

Now with her first pro win behind her, the Wings move to 1–4 and head to Chicago to face Angel Reese—another fierce NCAA rival from her college days.

Bueckers’ big night: A special homecoming in Connecticut and the WNBA

No matter what, this game is not going to fade from Bueckers’ mind anytime soon.

“I think I’ll remember the most, probably like 26 assists on 37 shots,” Bueckers said in a recent interview with Moreau Sports Media. “And how we played together as a team, how unselfish we were. And how much we looked like a team, and that reflected in the numbers.”

At the Mohegan Sun Arena, which seats 9,323 for WNBA games, Bueckers filled an incredible 8,910 seats. While Minnesota welcomed her warmly, it was Connecticut that truly honored her legacy. The fans gave her a standing ovation, recognizing the legend she has been for the Huskies.

Starting 90 minutes before tipoff, fans lined every edge of the stands, reaching out with hopes that Bueckers would pause to take a picture or sign a poster, T-shirt, or jersey. Everywhere you looked, No. 5 jerseys filled the arena—both the old UConn Huskies and her new Dallas Wings colors. This night was more than just a win for Paige Bueckers; it was a celebration of her journey.