Paige Bueckers Reacts to Inclusion in WNBA MVP Conversation with Wings in Playoff Race

Paige Bueckers says she's happy to be in the WNBA MVP race because it means the Dallas Wings are performing well so far this season.

"It's humbling. There's so many amazing women in this league," Bueckers said when asked about her inclusion in MVP conversations in a recent interview with ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike (1:00 mark of the video below).

Bueckers continued, "I really feel like it's just a testament to the team and what we've been able to do this first half of the year, and how well we've bonded, and how quick the chemistry came about.

"Those conversations come with winning, and that's the biggest thing that I care about."

The Wings are on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2023 after an 18-10 start to the season.

That record, good for fourth in the WNBA, already marks the highest single-season win total for the franchise since 2023.

That's in large part thanks to Bueckers, who has averaged a team-high 20.7 points and 6.2 assists through 26 games of her sophomore WNBA season.

Her play has helped Wings forward Jessica Shepard average a career-best 14.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while assisting Azzi Fudd's case for a Rookie of the Year nomination.

Other candidates for the award include rookie Olivia Miles, who has helped lead the Minnesota Lynx to the top of the league standings, and four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who is once more setting up the Las Vegas Aces as a playoff favorite.

Bueckers has 16 regular-season games to make her MVP case and help the Wings clinch a playoff spot before the postseason begins this fall.