Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers attended the Mavericks’ preseason game against the Thunder. The Mavericks won the game 106-89 against the defending champions even without Kyrie Irving on the floor. But it was an anticipated result as the Thunder did not play any of their usual starters.
In normal circumstances, Bueckers had a reason to support both teams. Her close friend from her hometown, Minnesota, Chet Holmgren, is on the Thunder, and her mentor, Kyrie Irving, plays for the Mavericks. But neither of the two played in the Monday night game. During the fourth quarter of the game, the Wings star spoke to broadcasters about her close relationship with the Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.
“It was just through social media. Sort of in High School, he kinda reached out and just offered the support and just offered sort of like a mentorship position for me. I’ve looked up to him since I was young, and he’s my favorite basketball player ever. So, to be able to build that relationship, he’s just an amazing, genuine human being.”
The Mavericks star is expected to be sidelined throughout this season with no expected timeline for his return. He has attended several college and WNBA games to support Paige Bueckers in her journey as well. When Bueckers was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Wings, Irving posted a heartfelt message for her as she joined him in representing Dallas basketball as a whole.
“Peace Paige, I just wanted to take the time to congratulate you on being drafted, especially to the Dallas Wings. I’m so excited for your journey ahead. So happy and proud of you, the way you carried yourself throughout your obstacles and challenges. And more so of the fact that you were able to turn the page on the chapter of this story that you’re writing.”
“I’m so happy you’re going to be right down the street. I know the city is happy, the state is happy, and the women’s game is only going to get better with you in it,” said a proud Irving.
He predicted that she would have a career that would be spoken about even after she is done playing. And she has already begun making her mark on the game by becoming a nearly unanimous Rookie of the Year at the end of her first season. Just like Irving, Bueckers continues to garner support from several other NBA stars as she has become a key figure in the growth of women’s basketball today.
