Paige Bueckers Blows Kiss to Sky Bench During Wings' Comeback Win

Published: Monday, July 13, 2026 at 3:46 am

The Dallas Wings secured their fifth consecutive victory on Sunday, staging a comeback to defeat the Chicago Sky 96-91. The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Wings All-Star guard Paige Bueckers, after making a crucial jumper, blew a kiss towards the Sky's bench. This gesture, along with some spirited exchanges with Sky veteran Natasha Cloud, was later explained by Bueckers as a display of "raw passion" and "raw love for the game." She emphasized that the interactions stemmed from mutual respect and a shared competitive spirit, clarifying that such exchanges are part of the game's intensity and not intended as disrespect.

Bueckers was instrumental in the win, contributing 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting and dishing out 11 assists. Her season average now stands at 20.6 points per game, placing her fourth in the WNBA. This performance comes as Bueckers prepares for her second consecutive All-Star Game appearance, having been voted a starter for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago.

The Wings' current success marks a significant turnaround from the previous season. At the 2025 All-Star break, the team had a 6-17 record and ultimately finished with a league-worst 10-34 record. This season, however, the team has transformed into a formidable contender. Key factors in this resurgence include the drafting of Azzi Fudd, Bueckers' former college teammate, with the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the signing of free-agent forward Jessica Shepard, and the appointment of first-year head coach Jose Fernandez. This combination has propelled the Wings to a 16-8 record. Their next challenge will be hosting the New York Liberty on Thursday.

BNN's Perspective:
The Dallas Wings' impressive winning streak and the spirited on-court demeanor of Paige Bueckers highlight a team finding its stride. Bueckers' explanation of her actions as competitive passion rather than disrespect resonates with the intensity often seen in professional sports. The team's dramatic improvement from last season suggests that strategic player acquisitions and coaching changes can indeed yield significant positive results, offering a hopeful narrative for the franchise and its fans.

Tags: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, WNBA, comeback win, All-Star, Natasha Cloud, competitive spirit, Azzi Fudd, Jessica Shepard, Jose Fernandez, New York Liberty

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