Paige Bueckers has often mentioned that her most admired NBA figure is Kyrie Irving, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks. Following her selection as the first pick by the Dallas Wings, she voiced her hope that Irving would attend one of her games during her debut season. Irving made her wish come true by showing up at a game on a recent Friday night.
It was the first time Bueckers met Irving in person, and their interaction before the game was captured on camera, creating a memorable scene. After the game, despite her team’s 94-86 defeat to the Indiana Fever, Bueckers spent some time chatting with Irving’s daughter.
The encounter with Irving was evidently meaningful for Bueckers, as she discussed the experience in her post-game press conference.
“It was pretty surreal,” Bueckers commented, as reported by Mavericks journalist, Landon Thomas. “I’ve admired him since my youth, he’s been my favorite player. Having him there, supporting our game and bringing his daughter along was incredible. He’s always seemed like a big brother to me, so meeting him in person was truly special.”
Paige Bueckers expressed how surreal it was to have Kyrie Irving courtside, supporting her and women’s basketball.
She mentioned that Irving has been her favorite player since childhood and is like a big brother to her. pic.twitter.com/x2cCyDeSCd
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) June 28, 2025
Bueckers and Irving may have more opportunities for interaction throughout the WNBA season. However, Bueckers will have to wait to return the support on the NBA courts, as Irving is currently recuperating from a torn ACL he sustained in March, with his return expected no earlier than 2026.
Irving also met another rising star in Dallas basketball, Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ top pick in the recent draft, at the Wings game. This meeting came just a few days after Flagg officially joined the team, marking an exciting period for the sport in Dallas.
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