Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, delivered a performance that had NBA star Kyrie Irving jumping out of his seat. In a game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever, Bueckers showcased a move reminiscent of Luka Dončić, drawing a strong reaction from Irving, who was courtside.

With 6:19 left in the fourth quarter and the shot clock ticking down, Bueckers buried a step-back three-pointer, narrowing the Fever's lead to just two points, 79-77. The commentator exclaimed "bang bang" as the arena erupted. Irving, visibly impressed, was caught on camera with a "calm, proud look". He even started to wave the Bueckers jersey he was holding before getting distracted by the roaring crowd.

Irving's presence at the game fulfilled Bueckers' wish from before the season. "I would like to see Kyrie at a game for sure," she had said. After the game, Bueckers described Irving's support as "surreal". "That's somebody who I've looked up to and has been my favorite player since I was really, really young," she explained. She also mentioned that Irving has been like a "big brother figure" to her.

Bueckers finished the game with 27 points and 6 assists, contributing in multiple ways like the stars she grew up watching. Despite her strong performance, the Wings ultimately lost to the Fever 94-86. Still, Stephanie White, the Fever's coach, acknowledged Bueckers' talent, recognizing the challenge of containing her in future matchups. "Stall is the word because White knows she cannot stop Bueckers," noted one commentator.

Kyrie Irving had previously sent Bueckers a heartfelt video message after she was drafted, congratulating her and expressing his excitement for her journey with the Dallas Wings. "I'm so excited for your journey ahead… So happy and proud of you," Irving said in the video. Watching her live, Irving had every reason to be proud.

The city of Dallas has embraced Bueckers as a potential cornerstone for the Wings. The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, leaving a void in the city's basketball scene. Social media buzzed with excitement over Bueckers' arrival, with some fans drawing comparisons between her and Dončić. "Close enough. Welcome back Luka Doncic," one fan wrote. Another added, "The city needed something to celebrate".

Meanwhile, Luka Dončić recently named Caitlin Clark as his favorite WNBA player, while offering a lukewarm response regarding Paige Bueckers' potential. During an interview, when asked about Bueckers, Dončić said, "She's okay. I haven't seen her play in the women's NBA".

Despite the loss against the Fever, Bueckers' performance and Irving's reaction offered a glimpse into the promising future for the Dallas Wings. As Bueckers continues to develop, Dallas fans can anticipate more clutch performances from their new star.