Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm showcased their veteran prowess, riding a dominant performance from Nneka Ogwumike to a 79-71 victory over the Dallas Wings on Monday night. However, the spotlight undeniably shone on Wings rookie phenom Paige Bueckers, who delivered a dazzling second WNBA outing that hinted at a future brimming with stardom.
Ogwumike, a seasoned veteran and former MVP, was an unstoppable force for the Storm. Her commanding presence in the paint translated to a stellar double-double: 23 points and a staggering 18 rebounds. The veteran forward anchored a Seattle offense that found its rhythm early, particularly from beyond the arc. The Storm connected on an impressive 9 of 11 three-point attempts in the first half, establishing a lead that proved crucial in withstanding a spirited Wings comeback attempt.
Skylar Diggins, another cornerstone of the Storm’s lineup, orchestrated the offense with her signature flair, contributing 21 points and 9 assists. Gabby Williams added a valuable 17 points, rounding out a balanced Seattle attack that emphasized ball movement and found open looks. Their collective effort propelled the Storm to their first win of the young season, leveling their record at 1-1.
While the Storm celebrated their hard-fought victory, the narrative surrounding the game was heavily influenced by the exceptional play of Paige Bueckers. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft put on a clinic in just her second professional game. Displaying the multifaceted skillset that made her a highly touted prospect, Bueckers led the Wings in scoring with a remarkable 19 points. Her impact extended beyond scoring, as she also dished out 8 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds, and recorded 2 steals, showcasing her all-around game.
Bueckers’ performance wasn’t just statistically impressive; it was electrifying. Her poise under pressure, court vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates were evident throughout the contest. She became the first rookie in Dallas Wings franchise history to achieve at least 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists in a single game. Furthermore, her rapid ascent to this statistical benchmark places her in elite company, becoming the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach these numbers, trailing only the legendary Candace Parker.
Despite Bueckers’ brilliance, the Dallas Wings ultimately fell short, dropping their second consecutive game to start the season (0-2). The Wings struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 4 of their 19 three-point attempts, a stark contrast to the Storm’s hot shooting. While they mounted a strong comeback effort in the third quarter, fueled by Bueckers’ playmaking, they couldn’t sustain the momentum against a determined Seattle squad.
The game also held a unique subplot with the presence of the top two picks from the 2025 draft. While Bueckers shone brightly for the Wings, the Storm’s No. 2 pick, Dominique Malonga, saw limited action, playing just one minute.
Adding a touch of celebrity to the evening, Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki was reportedly in attendance, undoubtedly drawn by the buzz surrounding Bueckers.
Ultimately, this matchup served as a compelling narrative of veteran experience prevailing over burgeoning talent. The Seattle Storm demonstrated their championship pedigree, while Paige Bueckers offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the WNBA, leaving fans eager to witness her continued development and the Dallas Wings’ quest to translate her individual brilliance into team success.
