Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers had warm words for Connecticut after the Wings beat the Connecticut Sun 86-83 on Thursday, July 2. The words became more sentimental as it was the last game in Connecticut this season.

Bueckers, who was a UConn Huskies player during her college years living in Connecticut, played the Sun in their last game at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. Bueckers gave a heartfelt message after the win in a post-game interview with Sports on Prime on July 2.

"That was really cool," Bueckers said. "It felt like a home game in the sense that a lot of people were cheering for the Dallas Wings and the former UConn players. But to feel that energy at the end of the game, where the crowd was vibing with the Wings, we enjoyed that."

Bueckers played for the UConn Huskies, a basketball team that represents the University of Connecticut, for four years. She won the NCAA championship during the 2024–25 season, which marked her final year with the program. Bueckers won the NCAA championship alongside her current teammate, Azzi Fudd, as well.

"I love Connecticut down," Bueckers continued. "They mean the world to me. I love this place, it's like a second home."

The Sun are playing out their final season in Connecticut after being bought by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million in March and will move to Houston starting next season.

Since she arrived from the Huskies, Bueckers has been one of the most popular players in the league, and this time she finished at the top of the guard position in the All-Star voting charts.

Paige Bueckers is a starter for the WNBA All-Star Game

The All-Star voting results have finally been announced by the WNBA on Thursday, July 2. The voting was divided into three categories: fans, media, and players.

Fan voting accounted for 50 percent of the total weight, while the media and player ballots carried 25 percent each.

Bueckers topped the fans' voting line, receiving a stunning 1,045,051 votes, beating Caitlin Clark, who held the top spot for fan voting in 2024 and 2025. Not only that, but she also ranked first in the players' voting category and second in the media ballot.

But what made Bueckers a fan favorite? Her popularity is one thing, but her performances are also helping Dallas continue fighting for a playoff spot. Bueckers has been a key player for the Dallas Wings, averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Dallas coach Jose Fernandez also praised the 2025 Rookie of the Year for her incredible playing style.

"She does [incredible] things every single day that now you're not surprised of anymore," Fernandez said of Bueckers, per ESPN. "She's just different. She's such a competitor and a winner, and she just refuses to lose. Certain guys don't want the ball in their hands at the end, don't want to take the big shot, and she never shies away from the big moment."

Bueckers had a great time playing in Connecticut and reminiscing about her days with the Huskies. But she now chases greatness in the WNBA and continues to shine.

Will Paige Bueckers lead the Dallas Wings all the way to a championship this season? Share your favorite Paige moments in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore