Chicago, USA, May 29, 2025: Paige Bueckers 5 Dallas Wings gets shots up before the game between the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings on Thursday May 29, 2025 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A3044
Chicago, USA, May 29, 2025: Paige Bueckers 5 Dallas Wings gets shots up before the game between the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings on Thursday May 29, 2025 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A3044
Jason Whitlock rarely hands out compliments when it comes to the WNBA's younger stars. On Saturday, though, the outspoken commentator offered a straightforward expression of respect for Paige Bueckers after watching her emotional reaction to the Dallas Wings' first-round playoff exit.
Whitlock quoted a widely shared video of Bueckers breaking down during the postgame press conference following the Golden State Valkyries' 77-73 Game 3 win. In the clip, Bueckers covers her face with a towel as tears come, while teammate Arike Ogunbowale places a hand on her back in support.
"I like this. Makes me like Arike and Paige," Whitlock wrote on X. "Paige cares. I like it. The game is important to her. I like the support from Arike."
June 20, 2025, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA: Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers speaks to the media before the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Uncasville USA - ZUMAw109 20250620_fap_w109_001 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
June 20, 2025, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA: Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers speaks to the media before the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Uncasville USA - ZUMAw109 20250620_fap_w109_001 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
The moment, shared by Whitlock on X, followed a tough finish for Dallas. The Wings had led by as many as 16 points in the second half of the winner-take-all contest at Chase Center before Golden State, led by Gabby Williams' 19 points and a strong defensive push, erased the deficit and closed out the series 2-1.
Bueckers finished with 17 points on 3-of-14 shooting, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. Ogunbowale added 30 points in the loss after her playoff-record 45-point outing in Game 2.
The emotional press conference struck a chord with many observers precisely because it showed just how much the young star had invested in the outcome.
Bueckers answered a question about the team's growth by pointing to its "selfless nature" and genuine enjoyment of coming to work, before struggling to continue as the weight of the season-ending loss caught up with her. Ogunbowale's quiet support became one of the defining images of the night.
Paige Bueckers spared as crowd boos other Wings starters
The Chase Center crowd made its preferences clear once more before Game 3 of the first-round series between the Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries, booing nearly every Wings starter during introductions except one.
Paige Bueckers received cheers instead. Wings reporter Myah Taylor captured the moment on X.
"Wings starters — except for Paige Bueckers — again booed by the Chase Center crowd. Arike Ogunbowale got some loud ones. Guessing fans didn't like her 45-point performance in Game 2."
The same selective reaction had played out before Game 1, with Bueckers consistently drawing a different response from opposing fans than her teammates.
The distinction highlighted an unusual dynamic, since home crowds typically target opposing stars across the board. Whether it stems from her college fame or her on-court style, Chase Center fans drew a clear line.
Do you think moments of visible emotion like this help build a player's reputation, or do they open them up to unfair criticism?
Written by
Zaid Quraishi