Bueckers Debuts as Aces Dominate Wings in WNBA Preseason Opener

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The WNBA preseason tipped off with a highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Wings and the Las Vegas Aces on Friday, May 2, at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion. The game served not only as a test of early team chemistry, but also as a showcase for promising rookies and a homecoming for several Notre Dame alumnae. Although the Aces cruised to a dominant 112–78 win, all eyes were on Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers, who made her WNBA debut. Bueckers, who led UConn to a national title just weeks earlier and was selected first overall by the Wings, earned a spot in the starting lineup for her first professional game. She tallied 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including two three-pointers, and added four rebounds in 23 minutes of play. Despite facing off against seasoned stars like Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson, Bueckers showed poise and control, scoring her first points midway through the first quarter with a drive to the basket.

The game also brought several former Notre Dame standouts back to campus. Arike Ogunbowale of the Wings and Aces stars Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young—each with strong ties to the Fighting Irish—returned to familiar ground. Young, in particular, shined with a game-high 28 points and nine assists. Las Vegas rookie Aaliyah Nye also impressed with 17 points in her preseason debut. Though the Wings kept pace in the first quarter, the Aces gradually built a double-digit lead before halftime and maintained it throughout the second half, even while rotating in reserve players. Both teams spread minutes across their rosters, giving coaches a chance to evaluate talent ahead of the regular season.

With one preseason game remaining for Las Vegas against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, both squads are nearing final roster decisions. The regular season begins May 16, with Dallas set to host the Minnesota Lynx in their opener. For rookies like Bueckers, the spotlight is only getting brighter as the transition to the WNBA begins in earnest.