Kyrie Irving fires up after Paige Bueckers hits buzzer-beater three for Wings against Clark-less Fever

Paige Bueckers lit up the first half with a logo-range dagger that had fans on their feet and Kyrie Irving jumping out of his seat. It wasn’t just a buzzer-beater, it was a statement. As the Fever struggled without Caitlin Clark, Bueckers grabbed her moment, bringing energy, belief, and a little NBA magic to the floor. Her 12th point of the half might just be her most unforgettable.The vibe was electric at the American Airlines Center on June 27, 2025. During a close contest, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers pulled off a daring logo shot to finish the first half—her 12th point of the half—doing it in true Caitlin Clark style, even with Clark out due to a groin injury. The crowd erupted, and as the referee's whistles still echoed, Bueckers sprinted to the sideline. Right there, Kyrie Irving—Bueckers’s self-proclaimed favorite NBA star—jumped up and gave her a quick dap, sealing the moment and merging WNBA talent with NBA stardom.At the end of the half, Indiana was still in the lead by 13, but the momentum had noticeably changed. The Fever, who were missing their superstar Caitlin Clark averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds, but going through a rough patch with a 1-for-23 shooting slump from three-point range on the road, were feeling the pressure. Bueckers’s signature shot not only reduced the lead but also energized the Wings and their star-studded audience.Bueckers has always talked about her dream of having a big-game moment with Irving—ever since she got to Dallas on Media Day, where she referred to him as her favorite player "forever". Now that dream has become a reality, proving her journey from an ACL comeback in college to thriving as a WNBA rookie in the same city as the nine-time NBA All-Star.Their shared background goes further: both dealt with ACL injuries (Irving’s in March 2025, Bueckers’s in 2022) and bounced back stronger, creating a natural connection. When Irving was courtside on Thursday, the combination of chants, whistles, and Bueckers’s shot resulted in one of the standout rookie moments of the young WNBA season.Even with her amazing performances, Bueckers’s team started this season at the bottom of the standings with a record of 4–12. Still, her personal stats—17.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game—are similar to Clark’s impressive numbers. She’s gaining national recognition, not only for her skills on the court but also for advocating for her fellow players—publicly supporting Caitlin Clark and challenging the “inhumane” pressure put on young talents.Also Read: LeBron James celebrates his electric boat team’s strong finish in Italy but the real test is still aheadAs the Wings strive to narrow the distance, Bueckers keeps evolving amidst both attention and challenges. Plus, with Irving’s approval, that development seems deeply affirmed.