Paige Bueckers’ arrival in Dallas has ignited a fresh wave of excitement around women’s basketball, and her transition to the WNBA continues to draw praise from legends of the sport. Among them is Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki, who praised Bueckers during the Dallas Wings’ 79-71 loss to the Seattle Storm on Monday night at College Park Center.

Nowitzki joined the broadcast during the Wings’ second consecutive home sellout and spoke candidly about Bueckers’ early impact and long-term future in the league. As the rookie guard led the Wings with 19 points and eight assists, Nowitzki shared what he’s seen from her progression just two games into her career.

“It’s gonna take a while to obviously get used to the physicality in the WNBA,” Nowitzki said. “But I think she’s got the talent. She’s gonna be amazing for us, and she’s just gonna get better from game to game, from season to season.”

“You can already see now she’s more comfortable out there compared to game one,” he added. “So she’s gonna be tremendous for this organization for a long time.”

Nowitzki’s comments underscored a broader embrace of the Wings within the Dallas basketball landscape. His use of “us” reflected the merging identities of the city’s basketball programs, with the Mavericks and Wings embracing foundational youth and shared optimism.

In just her second WNBA game, Bueckers displayed advanced poise and playmaking. She added five rebounds, two steals, and a block in 37 minutes, helping the Wings climb back from a 17-point second-half deficit to within three points in the final frame.

Dallas outscored Seattle 30-23 in the second half and limited the Storm to 23 points after halftime. Maddy Siegrist provided a major spark off the bench with 12 points, including two timely three-pointers in the third and fourth quarters. NaLyssa Smith and Teaira McCowan added 12 and 10 points, respectively, as Dallas had four players score in double figures.

Despite the late push, the Wings were undone by a second-quarter slump: Seattle shot 85.7% from three-point range and outscored Dallas 31-15. The Wings shot 37% from the field and just 4-of-19 from three-point range, while committing 15 turnovers that led to 19 Storm points. Seattle’s Nneka Ogwumike finished with 23 points and 18 rebounds, and Skylar Diggins added 21 points.

“More Comfortable Out There”: Dirk Nowitzki Praises Paige Bueckers Amid Dallas Wings Adjustment 2 Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) controls the ball against Houston Cougars forward J’Wan Roberts (13) during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Nowitzki also referenced the shared momentum between the Wings and Mavericks, noting that both franchises secured the No. 1 overall picks in their respective drafts this year.

“Winning the draft lottery is always big,” Nowitzki said. “The Mavs did it a few weeks ago, and so it’s great to have good young talent come in for your franchise. In most cases, it can turn your franchise around. So hopefully that’s the case for both teams.”

The Wings are betting on Bueckers to be that transformative force. She’s led the team in points and assists through two games, helping fuel record-setting attendance and fan engagement. Nowitzki’s presence and support symbolize how deeply connected Dallas basketball has become, from the Mavericks’ hardwood at American Airlines Center to the packed stands in Arlington.

Dirk Nowitzki has long been a unifying figure in Dallas sports. His endorsement of Paige Bueckers further solidifies her place as the centerpiece of a new era in North Texas basketball.