Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers is officially cleared to return after missing three games while in concussion protocol, the team announced on Saturday. She will be available on Sunday night against the Minnesota Lynx – an undefeated team that Dallas almost upset earlier this season.

Bueckers was sidelined after the Wings’ 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky on May 29. Coach Chris Koclanes stated that Bueckers consulted a doctor after informing the staff that she had a headache.

Her return is highly anticipated for the Wings, who are struggling with a current record of 1-8. Without her, Dallas has remained the only WNBA team unable to secure more than one win.

Bueckers’ rookie year so far

The No. 1 overall draft pick had been performing strongly before entering the concussion protocol. At UConn, she was recognized for her versatile offensive skills and robust defense. Bueckers averaged 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in her initial six games, including a breakout performance of 21 points in an 80% shooting game that led to the Wings’ first victory against the Connecticut Sun on May 27.

Missing games cost her the first Rookie of the Month accolade, which was awarded to Kiki Iriafen. Nevertheless, Bueckers remains a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year honors.

Wings needed their point guard back

Bueckers’ absence was a considerable setback for the Wings, especially with Tyasha Harris also unavailable due to a left knee injury, leaving the team without a conventional point guard. As Koclanes indicated, rookie JJ Quinerly was the only experienced point guard available but hadn’t played that position since high school. The starting duties mainly fell to fellow player Dijonai Carrington.

The team was already facing difficulties in ball movement, amplified by their recent 93-79 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, during which they committed 15 turnovers leading to 21 points for the opposing team.

Dallas’ backcourt is a work in progress

Prior to Bueckers’ injury, the backcourt was still developing chemistry. Her return requires Arike Ogunbowale to adapt her game, as her previous performance was focused on offensive dominance. Despite a strong 37-point game against the Sky, Ogunbowale’s performance has been inconsistent, scoring only 8 points in the last two games.

Bueckers, however, is still adjusting to the level of play in the WNBA and has had several games shooting below 30%.