PAIGE BUECKERS OWNS MOHEGAN SUN. 

The Dallas Wings walked into Mohegan Sun Arena and defeated the Connecticut Sun 86-83 starting their first winning streak of the year. Meanwhile Mohegan Sun turned into Bueckers Arena™ on Friday.

On one side: Tina Charles, walking double-double and certified WNBA OG. On the other: Paige Bueckers, America’s favorite certified bucket and rookie face of future shoe deals.

But by the time the lights dimmed, Paige was 2–0 on that floor this season and the Wings had their second straight win, the first time on the year with back-to-back wins.

Connecticut, respectfully, hold this L.

Funny enough, Bueckers also made more history as she got the first career technical in the WNBA.

Imagine getting a tech for hooping too hard. Paige hit a shot, clapped twice like she was at a cookout, and yelled “AND ONE” like any real hooper born after 1990.

Apparently that’s illegal now.

 

“I clapped twice and I said ‘and one’ and he said I clapped in his face. That’s all.” — Paige Bueckers

Not only was it her first career tech, it might be the most relatable one ever. Honestly made her more likable.

Like welcome to the league, here’s your slap on the wrist for having swag.

This game wasn’t just another W — it was yet a royal homecoming. The Mohegan crowd still worships Paige like she’s still wearing navy and white, and she returned the favor with a classic Paige line: buckets, poise, and one technical foul for seasoning.

 

“It’s fun coming back here every single time… they’ve always shown love to me… it’s amazing to come back here and get another win here… it was a full team victory so that was fun to play that way.” — Paige Bueckers

She’s evolving from scorer to quarterback. From rookie to leader. From college sweetheart to full-on pro.

“I just wanted to live each day for itself… maximize what each day looks like…. build chemistry… I knew it would be a tough adjustment coming into the league….It’s been fun, it’s been a new journey, new challenge. It’s different than anything I’ve been through as a player… trying to find my voice, find my way, my role on the team… it’s fun to build new relationships… embrace the city (Dallas).” — Paige Bueckers

And her coach sees it happening in real time.

“She carries us the first half… didn’t make a shot in the second but played great defense… continues to find ways to make winning plays… she’s getting more confident every day.” — Chris Koclanes

AZIAHA JAMES BURNED Mohegan Sun TO THE DAMN GROUND.

First half: zero points.

Second half: literal anime transformation.

Aziaha James came out of the locker room with a cape on and started cooking like she was late for her shift at Benihana.

The Sun defense? BBQ chicken.

 

“I had to turn into a different mode and help my teammates out… that was our main goal, keep getting to that free throw line.” — Aziaha James

She didn’t just turn up. She took over. And her coach couldn’t tweet enough fire emojis.

 

“We have to bottle that up… she was just dominating the paint and playmaking… that takes some of the weight off Arike and Paige.” — Chris Koclanes

Also, she casually dropped a behind-the-back dime because she felt like being spicy.

 

“Behind the back pass, Lys was coming behind me so I had to do something a little bit flashy.” — Aziaha James

Ma’am. This is a regulation WNBA game, not Rucker Park. And we thank you.

LI YUERU IS QUIETLY COOKING FAMILY DINNERS

While all the highlights went viral, Li Yueru was out here doing the dirty work: 11 points, 9 boards, screens, box-outs, and IQ plays. Not the needle mover on YouTube. But moves the needles in the box score.

 

“It’s really fun to play with her. She’s super smart and has a high IQ… she plays extremely hard.” — Paige Bueckers

Basically the connective tissue of the team. The Velcro. The Gorilla Glue.

 

“Super impressed with her ability to get up and down and to play through mistakes… she’s a connector, a fantastic screener… she’s a shooter. Just proud of her.” — Chris Koclanes

Give this woman a post entry pass and a tax break. She’s doing labor.

THE WINGS: A BEAUTIFUL DISASTER THAT’S STARTING TO WORK

This team is a little bit chaotic. A little bit unstable. And entirely dangerous.

One night it’s Paige. The next it’s JJ. Then Arike.

Then some rookie drops 17 in the second half like it’s casual.

 

“This group… you don’t know where the contributions are going to come from each night… it’s our depth… so many different weapons… it takes everybody.” — Chris Koclanes

They shot 36% in the second half. Didn’t matter.

They won because they got to the line like it was a buffet and defense was on the menu.

The Wings are 3–11, which looks rough in your ESPN app. But the vibes? Dangerous. The talent? Emerging. The rookies? Not just here for development — they’re winning games.

Paige Bueckers clapped and conquered. Aziaha James exploded. Li Yueru got respect from everybody wearing a polo. And Dallas suddenly doesn’t look like a rebuild. They look like a team you don’t want to see in the third quarter when you’re already tired.

Mohegan Sun? That’s Paige Bueckers’ casino now. Connecticut just lives in it.