Paige Bueckers finally got the moment she had been waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint.
The 22-year-old Dallas Wings rookie met her favorite player, Kyrie Irving, for the first time on Friday night, as the Mavericks star showed up courtside to support the Wings during their matchup with the Indiana Fever.
Irving, currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered back in March, made time before tipoff to speak with Bueckers and even introduced her to his daughter.
Cameras caught the interaction, including the pair sharing a smile and hug just before warmups.
“It was pretty surreal,” Bueckers said during her postgame media session, via Mavericks reporter Landon Thomas. “That’s somebody who I’ve looked up to, and he’s been my favorite player since I was really, really young. So, for him to come out and support us, support women’s basketball, have his daughter there, get to meet him. He’s been like a big brother figure for me, and to finally meet him in person, it was a great moment.”
Paige Bueckers said it was surreal seeing Kyrie Irving court side supporting her and women’s basketball.
Bueckers said Kyrie has been her favorite player since she was young and he’s like a big brother to her. pic.twitter.com/x2cCyDeSCd
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) June 28, 2025
The meet-up capped off a big night for Dallas basketball. Bueckers wasn’t the only rising star to interact with Irving, Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, was also in the building and caught up with his new teammate for the first time since being selected.
Although the Wings fell short against the Fever, losing 94-86, the night held deeper meaning for Bueckers, who’s been open about idolizing Irving for years. The two now play in the same city, with Bueckers leading a new era in the WNBA.
READ MORE: Cooper Flagg Calls Dallas Situation a ‘Blessing’
