Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers is formally cleared to return after lacking three video games whereas in concussion protocol, the crew introduced on Saturday. She might be out there on Sunday night time towards the Minnesota Lynx — an undefeated crew that Dallas nearly upset earlier this season.
Bueckers was sidelined after the Wings’ 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky on Could 29. Coach Chris Koclanes stated Bueckers noticed a physician after telling the employees she had a headache.
Her return was a lot awaited for the Wings, who’re nonetheless figuring out numerous kinks and are presently final within the league with a 1-8 document. Dallas could not get the job performed in her absence and is now the one WNBA crew with out a number of wins.
Bueckers’ rookie yr up to now
The No. 1 general draft decide was off to a powerful begin earlier than getting into concussion protocol. At UConn, Bueckers was recognized for her versatility on offense and powerful defensive prowess. Her abilities have translated to the field rating as she averaged 14.7 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and a couple of.0 steals in her first six video games. Buecker’s breakout recreation of 21 factors on 80% capturing led to Dallas’ first win of the season in a 109-87 victory towards the Connecticut Sun on Could 27.
Lacking video games, and the Wings’ struggles, value her the primary Rookie of the Month recognition, which went to former Stanford and USC star Kiki Iriafen. Nonetheless, Bueckers remains to be thought of one of many favorites to win Rookie of the 12 months.
Wings wanted their level guard again
Bueckers being in concussion protocol was a troublesome blow for the Wings, however what made it much more difficult is that Tyasha Harris has additionally been out due to a left knee damage — leaving the crew and not using a conventional level guard.
As Koclanes identified, rookie JJ Quinerly was left as the one participant on the roster with actual expertise operating the purpose however she hadn’t performed that place since highschool. The previous West Virginia guard gave Dallas some minutes off the bench, whereas starter Dijonai Carrington took on a lot of the level guard duties.
The crew was already fighting transferring the ball, and Koclanes stated the 93-79 loss to the Sparks on Friday uncovered them essentially the most as a result of they allowed 21 factors off 15 turnovers.
Dallas’ backcourt is a piece in progress
Even earlier than Bueckers bought sidelined, the backcourt hadn’t reached its potential and was nonetheless engaged on chemistry. The addition of Bueckers meant Arike Ogunbowale — who had beforehand carried the Wings offense — was going to have to regulate. Ogunbowale remains to be engaged on having productive video games with out taking as many pictures, and likewise making an affect when the ball just isn’t in her palms.
She did have a 37-point recreation on Could 29 towards Chicago, however she has not discovered consistency this season and registered simply 8 factors in every of the final two video games.
Bueckers can also be nonetheless not enjoying as aggressively as she could possibly be, and her lack of expertise within the WNBA reveals at occasions. She had a very sturdy recreation towards the Solar, however she has had three video games capturing 30% or below from the ground.