Bueckers was downgraded to “out” by the Wings just a few hours before tipoff of their game against the Portland Fire with a right ankle issue. Wings coach Jose Fernandez explained the short-notice decision to sit Bueckers in his pregame media availability.
“I thought [Friday] when we landed,” Fernandez told reporters when asked when he decided to sit Bueckers vs. Portland. “She got treatment this morning. … It’s a long year, and Paige is who she is. Trust me, Paige would want to be on the floor tonight.”
Bueckers posted her season-high points total with 31 in Thursday’s win over the Mercury, but that game did include a moment where she appeared to tweak her ankle and briefly exited the floor. Bueckers checked back in mere moments later, though, and immediately scored another seven points, so it wasn’t believed to be too severe an injury.
Perhaps that’s why Fernandez spoke with an air of precaution more than concern before Saturday’s tipoff.
“The best thing for her longevity, her career, for the franchise, is any issue we take care of her, and she takes care of her body,” Fernandez said.