Well, it’s only days to go for the playoffs, and the race to clinch a berth has started among the 13 WNBA teams. But for the Dallas Wings, the dream is still quite far. Effort, however, is not lacking, and that’s why, despite being decimated by injuries, the Wings are looking for trading and signing options. And, adding Grace Berger is just part of this, as her signing makes sense as a low-risk, high-reward move. And if you still have any doubt, just hear Paige Bueckers once!

After all, the rookie sensation has been there since the very beginning, which also means that throughout Grace Berger’s three contracts, she was right there. But PB hadn’t spoken publicly about her teammate until this recent game, wherein the former Indiana women’s basketball star ended up with 0 points, two assists, two steals, and a rebound despite playing 19 minutes.

And, while you might perceive that as an underperformance, PB didn’t. When asked about Berger, she shared, “Yeah, she’s just getting more comfortable and confident in the offense and getting us organized.” she added, “She just plays with the effort that you really can’t teach, so she just makes a positive impact on the basketball game, regardless of made or missed shots.”

And, yes, it’s surprising that she mentioned making or missing shots, but it’s true, Berger missed all five of her field goals, a three-pointer, and all of her free throws. Still, she helped the team defensively, which was needed, as DiJonai Carrington, the defensive core of the team, had already been traded.

Also, you can’t deny Berger’s impact, though. While she went scoreless this game, she’s averaging 2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. And just consider, she was in training camp with the Minnesota Lynx and played in one game with the LA Sparks, and she’s logged over 55 minutes, scoring 7 points with 10 rebounds.

But is that everything she’s got?? Not really, as her experience isn’t limited to that, as Berger was selected seventh overall in the 2023 draft by the Fever with a pick they acquired in a 2022 trade with Dallas. Since then, she has appeared in 47 games with the Fever over two seasons, averaging 3.9 points per game.

So, experience-wise, she’s a good contender to bet on. But Curt Miller puts it best: “She enjoys being off the ball and then brought back into actions, not worn down by defensive point guards pressuring her full court. She works well with a true point guard.”

He added after Berger signed a recent seven-day contract with the Wings, “Grace Berger’s recent acquisition has been great. She keeps the ball moving, doesn’t hunt her own shots, and looks to get the star players shots.” You can see how the Wings, as a team trailing with an 8–24 record and on a five-game losing streak, have benefited from her addition. But is it just the Wings squad benefiting? No.

Paige Bueckers is the catalyst behind Berger’s playmaking!

No doubt, Berger’s presence adds to the lineup and scoring potential of the Wings, but Paige Bueckers isn’t just a tactical asset—she’s also a key factor in sustaining chemistry across different lineup looks. Her ability to seamlessly shift between being a primary scorer and a secondary playmaker allows the Wings to adjust game plans to counter defenses.

Berger knows this too, which is why she shared, “Young players like JJ, Paige, Aziaha—I’ve kept up with them over the past couple months in their college career. So to be able to be their teammate, be on the floor with them, and already be kind of familiar with their game—I’m just excited about it.” While days have passed since then, PB is no different, as even in today’s game, she scored 17 points to lead Dallas.

Not just that—she even moved into a tie for fourth place in WNBA history with Ruthie Bolton for her 25th straight game scoring in double digits in her rookie year. Cynthia Cooper leads the list with 92 games, while Caitlin Clark’s name is not in the top five. So you know the kind of impact PB offers!