Before the start of the WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers was asked about the most famous all-time sports rivalry. While many expected her to pick UConn vs Notre Dame, given she has been part of this rivalry during her five seasons with the Huskies, she picked ACC rivals.
Bueckers picked the Duke vs. UNC rivalry when she, like other WNBA stars, was asked the question.
“Probably Duke, UNC, basketball,” Bueckers said.
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When it comes to women’s basketball, the rivalry between UConn and Notre Dame is widely considered to be the most iconic. The two sides first met in January 1996, and since then they have played 55 games. The Huskies lead the series 39-16.
Meanwhile, the Duke vs. UNC rivalry is considered the most intense rivalry in all of men’s basketball. The two sides have played each other 265 times, and their first meeting dates back to Jan. 1920. North Carolina leads the overall series, 145-120.
Paige Bueckers misses latest game vs Liberty
The Dallas Wings rookie was not part of her team’s latest game against the New York Liberty. In the absence of Paige Bueckers, the Wings were defeated, 88-77.
Bueckers couldn’t play the game because of the back injury she sustained during the second half of Tuesday’s game against the Liberty. She left briefly for treatment before returning to play. She went on to put up 21 points, four assists, and eight rebounds in an 85-76 loss.
The issue was later described as “muscle strain.” Bueckers missed practice before Friday’s contest, as Wings coach Chris Koclanes said she will be “day to day.”
Bueckers has been excellent for the Wings this season. She averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 24 games. She earned back-to-back WNBA Rookie of the Month honors in both June and July. In the process, she became the first franchise player to have been able to do so.
Off the court, Bueckers admitted feeling guilty about not being able to personally connect with every fan who offers support at WNBA arenas.
“Yeah, it’s super surreal. Just for people to continue to support my journey and support me throughout every single step of the way. It makes me very appreciative of that,” Bueckers said to a question asked by Natalie Esquire of NBC Sports.
“Also in a way, I feel bad because I can’t show love and get back to every single one of them and sign their pictures, sign autographs, and take pictures with every single one of them. So I feel bad in that aspect. But I do want them to know that I really appreciate their support.”
“I feel bad because I can’t show love and get back to every single one of them.” – Paige Bueckers on receiving support across WNBA arenas pic.twitter.com/yQxrpCnMAa
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) August 8, 2025
While the Wings won’t make the postseason, Paige Bueckers is not the one to blame.
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