Before she hit the court in Miami for the first time as an Unrivaled player, Paige Bueckers revealed what she wanted to add to her game as she debuted in the 3-on-3 league.
"I want to work on my left hand more," Bueckers said. "And I want to get to the free-throw line more. I want to get the Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) shoulder bump into my mid-range pull-up."
After making her Unrivaled debut on Monday night, Bueckers is already showing that her bag is deeper in 2026.
Bueckers is arguably the biggest star to join Unrivaled as the league enters its second season of existence with two new teams joining the inaugural six. She led one of those new teams, the expansion Breeze, to a 68-62 win over Phantom BC at Sephora Arena in Miami on Monday night.
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Bueckers, the WNBA's reigning Rookie of the Year, scored a game-high 24 points on just 15 shots, showing that her lethal mid-range shot is going to translate just fine to 3-on-3 basketball.
The Dallas Wings star's defensive effort translated, too. She blocked two shots, including a key defensive stop as the Breeze held a five-point lead late.
Paige Bueckers tonight 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 6, 2026
• 24 points
• 6 assists
• 5 rebounds
• 2 blocks
• 7/15 FG pic.twitter.com/XWuIU9Zq6b
Bueckers is the tip of the spear for the talent-laden Breeze, whose roster is led by former WNBA champion Noelle Quinn and boasts the likes of Dominique Malonga, Cameron Brink, Kate Martin and Rickea Jackson.
The Breeze already look good after just one game. If Bueckers and company can build on the opening night win, this first-year team could be a first-time champion come March.
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