Paige Bueckers has been sensational for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. In fact, the Dallas Wings star has been one of the most reliable players on the squad, as she has consistently played at a high level.

Bueckers leads the USA national team in blocks (1.0) and is second in assists (3.5). She’s also third in steals (1.3) and fourth in points (9.5), all while having the second-best efficiency rating (13) and plus-minus rating (+18).

Now, Bueckers has further elevated herself in the tournament’s MVP conversation while also strengthening her bid for the Best Defensive Player award.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers reacts during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Wings guard has also produced plenty of memorable plays in the tournament, although her most unforgettable moment isn’t really a play. Instead, it was her exchange with China’s 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu during Team USA’s opening game.

To recall, Bueckers was spotted talking to the 19-year-old big during the game and seemingly gesturing about her height. However, it was unknown what they were talking about, with FIBA even requesting that she “spill the conversation.”

Now, Bueckers has opened up about the moment and revealed what she said to Zhang during their brief encounter.

According to Bueckers, her interaction with Zhang was an attempt to find a way to get into her head while the game was going on.

“Just banter. Friendly banter. I was trying to figure out how much English she knows, so if I was going to talk trash, [I know] how much she’d understand,” Bueckers said, via Bleacher Report. “I did tell her I was going to block her shot and she just looked at me in disbelief.”

For what it’s worth, Bueckers said she doesn’t know if Zhang “didn’t understand” what she was saying or if “she just couldn’t believe” that she would say that to her. At the end of the day, though, it’s “just all fun and games” for Bueckers.

What looked like a mysterious conversation at first has turned out to be a lighthearted moment between the two players. With Team USA projected to go far in the tournament, fans can expect to see more of Bueckers’ lighter side against any opponent she comes up against on the court.

Related: China’s 7-Foot-3 Player Draws Attention Before Facing Angel Reese, Team USA

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.