Slow-motion video of Paige Bueckers’ frightening fall raises concern after Wings win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paige Bueckers gave the Dallas Wings plenty to celebrate Sunday before a frightening fourth-quarter fall shifted the attention entirely to her health.
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Bueckers scored 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting to lead Dallas to a 90-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. She also contributed five assists and four rebounds in another complete performance for the Wings. The star guard was unable to finish the game, however, after a collision sent her crashing to the court with 3:33 remaining. Bueckers landed on her back and hit her head against the floor, prompting Dallas to remove her from the game.
A slow-motion video of the fall showed the force of the impact and quickly raised concern among Wings fans. Bueckers was able to stand and walk to the locker room without assistance, but she did not return.
Dallas coach Jose Fernandez did not have an official update on her condition immediately after the game.
Paige Bueckers hits head after collision with Nneka Ogwumike
The scary sequence began when Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike appeared to trip over Azzi Fudd’s foot while dribbling. Ogwumike lost her balance and collided with Bueckers, who had little time to react or protect herself. Both players fell, but Bueckers absorbed the worst of the impact.
Her back hit the court first, followed by the back of her head. Bueckers immediately reached for her head and remained on the floor while players and medical personnel checked on her. The normal-speed replay was concerning. The slow-motion version made the fall appear even more dangerous by showing Bueckers’ inability to brace herself before hitting the hardwood.
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There were several encouraging signs before she left the court. Bueckers stood up under her own power and shared a hug with Ogwumike. She also smiled while speaking with her teammates before heading to the locker room. The Wings still decided not to put her back into the game, even as the Sparks attempted to rally in the closing minutes.
Wings coach shares encouraging detail about Bueckers
Fernandez told reporters after the victory that Dallas did not yet have a formal update on Bueckers. He did reveal that the two-time All-Star was in good enough spirits to joke with Fudd about how the play unfolded.
“She’s upset at Azzi because she said Azzi tripped her and took away P’s charge,” Fernandez said, according to Melissa Triebwasser of The IX Sports.
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Bueckers’ reaction offered some reassurance following the alarming collision. Still, the Wings will want to evaluate her carefully before determining whether she is available for their next game. Players who suffer potential head injuries may be required to clear additional evaluations before returning to competition. Dallas did not immediately announce whether Bueckers had entered any formal protocol. Until the team provides more information, her status remains uncertain.
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Bueckers delivers before injury scare
The injury overshadowed what had been an outstanding performance from Bueckers. She needed only 18 shots to score 25 points and consistently created problems for the Sparks’ defense. Her five assists also reflected her ability to generate opportunities for her teammates whenever Los Angeles sent additional attention in her direction.
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Dallas leaned on Bueckers throughout the game, and she delivered enough offense to help the Wings secure an eight-point victory. Performances like Sunday’s have become increasingly common for the young guard. Bueckers has quickly developed into the centerpiece of Dallas’ roster with her efficient scoring, playmaking and ability to remain composed in pressure situations.
That is why even the possibility of her missing time would be a major concern for the Wings. Dallas finished the game without her, but replacing Bueckers over a longer stretch would be a far more difficult task. Her influence extends beyond her scoring numbers, as the Wings rely on her to control the pace and organize their offense.
The Wings earned the victory they wanted against the Sparks. They now face an anxious wait for an update on the player who helped deliver it. Bueckers walking away from the collision and joking afterward were both positive developments. The slow-motion video, however, showed exactly why Dallas treated the situation seriously.
