Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings appear to have found their rhythm early in the season. After years of struggling to reach the playoffs—only three appearances in eight seasons—the arrival of Bueckers has injected new hope. Following an opening-game victory over the Indiana Fever, the Wings now face another tough test against the Atlanta Dream, led by Angel Reese. Bueckers recently shared her thoughts on what makes Reese such a formidable opponent.
“There’s no personal rivalry, but the competition brings out the best in both of us,” Bueckers said. “I love Angel as a competitor. We’re great friends off the court, and she just brings the best out of you. She’s a trash talker, just like me, and that makes it fun.”
When asked about Reese’s impact on the floor, Bueckers highlighted her versatility: “On both ends of the floor, she’s a paint presence. Defensively, she can switch and guard one through five. Offensively, she’s a great screener, roller, passer, can finish around the rim, and provides a different spark for them. Her energy is contagious and brings confidence to her teammates.”
Reese proved her value in Atlanta’s season opener, recording 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists, including a game-winning block. Her interior defense was a key reason the Dream brought her in, and the numbers back it up: with Reese on the court, the Lynx shot an effective field goal percentage of 51.9%, which jumped to 59.4% when she was off. While she shot just 4-of-11 from the field, Reese compensated with clutch plays and relentless screening, which freed up her teammates.
For the Wings, containing Reese will be a priority. They have added 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and Jessica Sheperd to bolster their frontcourt. Bueckers has also improved her own defense, and the team has size in Awak Kuier and Li Yueru to challenge Reese when she switches to the perimeter. Offensively, the Wings can stretch the floor with shooters like Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale, and Bueckers.
One strategic shift for Dallas this season is moving Bueckers off the point guard role at times. Veteran Odyssey Sims has stepped into the primary ball-handling position, allowing Bueckers to conserve energy and play off the ball. In the opener, Sims posted 20 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals, while Bueckers had 20 points and 4 assists with a usage rate of just 17.4%. Coach Jose Fernandez explained the reasoning: “I want to save Paige’s legs down the stretch. The more I can play her off the ball, the better. She gets trapped at point guard and teams pick her up 94 feet to wear her out. For now, that’s our lineup.”
Facing a long and athletic Dream team, Bueckers will be tested, but the Wings have shown the ability to move the ball effectively and create good looks. With her midrange gravity collapsing the defense, Bueckers can impact the game even without the ball. This matchup between two teams aiming to take the next step toward playoff contention promises to be an exciting clash.