It’s never dull when former UConn teammates face off against each other. On Wednesday, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd stepped into Chase Center to face former teammate Kaitlyn Chen, who they won a national championship with in 2025, but it was the latter who stole the show.
It was a night to remember for Chen as she scored 15 points off the bench, helping the Valkyries notch their fourth straight win this season, 91-80 over the Wings. It was the fourth time Chen has scored in double figures this season. The last time she did it was against Connecticut, when she scored 10 points in a 97-77 win.
After the game, when reporters asked about Chen’s growth, Bueckers made sure to give her a nice shoutout. Here is what she said:
“She’s always worked hard. She’s always had it in her. But when the opportunity has been given to her, she’s ran with it. She’s just confident. She affects the game in so many different ways. But tonight, just getting downhill, getting penetration, getting to the rim – she has one of the best layup packages I’ve ever seen. Just seeing her get the opportunity and build confidence with it.”
Her development has been one of the few positive spots for the Valkyries this season. She has not played big minutes often, but whenever she gets the opportunity, she makes the most of it. Due to her hard work and contributions as a key rotation player, the coach rewarded her with a career-high minutes total, and she did not disappoint.
Chen gave her former teammates a run for their money, coming up with key plays down the stretch to help seal the win. Along with 15 points, she had two rebounds and two assists while shooting 70% from the field.
Bueckers and Fudd, meanwhile, struggled on the offensive end. Bueckers finished with 15 points, eight assists and three rebounds but went 5-of-13 shooting, going 1-of-5 from beyond the arc. Fudd finished with 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Valkyries coach calls Kaitlyn Chen “Energizer Bunny” after big game
Kaitlyn Chen earned high praise from Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase after the game against the Dallas Wings, who was impressed with her work ethic and consistency.
When asked if Chen looked tired while playing career-high minutes, Nakase said,
“Nah, that girl can go. That’s her preparation. Kaitlyn doesn’t get tired. She’s phenomenal. She’s like the Energizer Bunny.”
Chen has always been driven and passionate. She wears her heart on her court and plays a fearless style of basketball that makes her a difference-maker. Hopefully, she will continue to make her presence felt whenever she gets the opportunity.
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