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Wings Phenom Paige Bueckers Draws Inspiration From Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Improve 1 Crucial Skill
Paige Bueckers appears to be fully locked into this year’s NBA Conference finals, drawing inspiration from two of the top stars, reigning back-to-back league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Eastern Conference finals MVP Jalen Brunson.
The Dallas Wings phenom recently shed light on what she has learned from both superstars as she continues her standout sophomore season.
Paige Bueckers Reveals Biggest Takeaways from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s and Jalen Brunson’s Games
Bueckers’ leadership and seasoned playmaking defy the fact that she’s only in Year 2 of her blossoming WNBA career. The 24-year-old appears to be on the fast track to greatness with her skill, vision, and shooting already setting her apart. Plus, she is known to be an avid student of the game.
Case in point, Bueckers told reporters she watches a lot of basketball and is looking to implement elements of both Gilgeous-Alexander’s and Brunson’s playstyles.
Speaking on the heightened physicality in the NBA playoffs, especially in the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs’ Western Conference finals series, which OKC leads 3-2, Bueckers said, “I take a lot from Shai’s game. Just being able to get to your spot consistently.”
Gilgeous-Alexander recently won his second straight MVP after averaging 31.1 points per game on 55.3% shooting across 68 regular-season outings behind his shifty shot creation, particularly in the midrange.
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Bueckers also mentioned how she enjoys Brunson’s elite footwork. The relatively undersized floor general’s sensational postseason run has helped the New York Knicks complete consecutive series sweeps, punching their ticket to the NBA Finals.
“Watching Jalen Brunson and his footwork, I think I’ve learned a lot from that,” Bueckers added. “His ability to not be the tallest, most athletic person on the floor, but his consistency getting to his spot, getting to the rim, getting to the free-throw line, being aggressive that way, yeah, I’ve really enjoyed watching it.”
Based on Bueckers’ glowing remarks about both ball handlers, she appears to be zeroing in on improving her offensive precision. The one-time All-Star is averaging 19.3 points per game on 52.2% shooting through her first seven contests this season, with plenty of opportunities to continue her upward trajectory.
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