Paige Bueckers’ second season with the Dallas Wings ended in disappointment once again, with the team falling to the Golden State Valkyries in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. Despite that, however, Bueckers has certainly earned the admiration of her peers, including Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell.

Bueckers averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 steal in 42 regular-season games in 2026. Even better, she helped lead a major turnaround for the Dallas franchise, which finished at the bottom of the standings in 2025 with a 10-34 record.

The Wings finished the campaign with a 27-17 win-loss tally, good for seventh in the standings.

Following the Wings’ playoff exit, Bueckers took to social media to reflect on her season and share her appreciation for the Dallas organization.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during a WNBA game.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

“Year 2,” Bueckers wrote, along with several photos of herself and her teammates taken during the season.

“Another year of a full healthy season of hoops. Thank you God! Lots of learning, lots of growth, and a whole lot to be proud of. Thank you to the Dallas organization and thank you to the best teammates in the world. I had a ball this year and built so many new relationships and memories. So much room for improvement and so much room to grow, very excited to get back to work. Beauty in the journey & grace in the waiting. Gotta love.”

Bueckers’ post drew plenty of reactions, including one from Mitchell. The Fever star kept her message for the Wings star simple, albeit meaningful.

“respect, 5,” Mitchell wrote.

For what it’s worth, Bueckers had previously expressed her admiration for Mitchell, acknowledging that she’s the hardest player to guard in the WNBA today.

Although they compete against each other on the court, the two clearly share a mutual respect for one another.

Related: Sophie Cunningham Makes Her Opinion of Indiana Fever Fans Extremely Clear

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.