Watch Wings’ Paige Bueckers drain her first-ever WNBA playoff points in perfect fashion

It did not take long for Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers to prove she is truly ready for the playoffs.

It was Bueckers’ first time in the playoffs, as the Wings visited the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round matchup. Dallas returned to the postseason after a two-year absence.

In their first possession, Bueckers drained a three-pointer from the top of the key off a simple set to announce her presence.

It instantly boosted the 24-year-old guard’s confidence, as she rolled to a hot start.

Bueckers was clear about her goal to lead the Wings to the playoffs after failing to qualify during her rookie year. Even the season-ending knee injury of Dallas guard Azzi Fudd did not faze Bueckers, who averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in the regular season.

Before facing the Valkyries, she said she is aware of the increased challenge in the playoffs, as reported by ESPN’s Kendra Andrews

“I learned in college that there’s so much more leading into the playoffs. You don’t change your whole identity, and you don’t change who you are and what you took to get there. But there’s a higher level of stakes and pressure. There’s a sense of urgency and will and a want and an extra desire you have to have during the playoffs,” said the two-time All-Star.

As of this writing, the Wings are trailing the Valkyries at halftime, 58-31. Bueckers has 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-2 from long distance. She also has five rebounds.

More details to come.