Paige Bueckers Tears Up After Dallas Wings' Playoff Elimination
The WNBA star was visibly emotional following a dramatic loss where her team surrendered a 16-point lead.
Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers was overcome with emotion during a post-game press conference after her team's playoff hopes were dashed. The Wings suffered a heartbreaking exit from the WNBA playoffs on Friday, collapsing after leading by as many as 16 points against the Golden State Valkyries.
The game culminated in a dramatic final minute. Gabby Williams scored 19 points for the Valkyries, including the go-ahead 17-foot shot with just over a minute left. A crucial replay review with 13.1 seconds remaining, which overturned a call to favor Dallas and instead gave possession to Golden State, sealed the Wings' fate. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, who had been visibly distraught on the sideline, successfully challenged the call.
Bueckers, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, contributed 17 points and six assists in the game. However, she was unable to steer the Wings to victory. Cameras captured the 24-year-old struggling to hold back tears during the post-game availability, at one point burying her face in a towel with a teammate placing a hand on her shoulder.
The Golden State Valkyries will now advance to face the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-five semifinal series.