15 Candid and Competitive Moments With Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers’ most compelling moments show her fierce competitiveness and authentic humanity both on and off the court.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Paige Bueckers isn’t just a basketball prodigy — she’s a competitor with heart, grit, and poise beyond her years. Whether she’s dropping buckets in a clutch playoff game or handing her wristband to a young fan, Bueckers thrives in the spotlight with grace and intensity. These 15 moments trace the candid and competitive essence of an athlete who’s not only building a legendary career, but doing it with unmistakable character.
1. 2021 – Big East Tournament Final vs. Marquette
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Paige Bueckers had ice in her veins, dropping 23 points to help UConn clinch the Big East title. However, what fans remember most is the moment she hugged her teammates tightly with tears in her eyes after the buzzer. She wasn’t just winning —she was leading a legacy.
2. 2021 – Elite Eight vs. Baylor
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In one of the grittiest games of her freshman year, Bueckers scored 28 points against Baylor, including clutch shots late in the fourth. Her calm demeanor contrasted with the high-stakes tension swirling around her. After the win, she smiled humbly and said, “We’re not done yet,” capturing her fierce but grounded nature.
3. 2020 – Debut Game vs. UMass Lowell
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In her very first college game, Bueckers put up 17 points and nine rebounds. However, it was the way she ran to pick up a fallen teammate and flashed a nervous grin that showed her heart. The game was more than a debut — it was the quiet arrival of a storm.
4. 2021 – vs. South Carolina (OT Thriller)
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She hit back-to-back clutch threes and a dagger in OT to seal the win against #1-ranked South Carolina. Paige finished with 31 points, but it was the quick glance she gave Geno Auriemma after the shot that said it all: “I got this.” She made national headlines that night, but her focus never wavered.
5. 2021 – Big East Semifinal vs. Villanova
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After a slow first half, Paige erupted in the second with 18 points, driving her team past a tough Villanova squad. On the bench, cameras caught her laughing with teammates as she unwrapped her knee brace. It was the duality of Bueckers — both assassin and best friend in one.
6. 2023 – Return to Practice After ACL Injury
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Though not a game, her return to practice after over a year of rehab was a powerful moment. Video clips showed her grinning during shooting drills and outpacing her teammates in sprints. Her competitiveness had only grown sharper in recovery.
7. 2024– vs. Notre Dame (Comeback Performance)
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In her second game back from an injury, Paige dropped 16 points and helped secure a much-needed win. She clenched her fists and shouted after a clutch three, her first real celebration since being sidelined. That fire was unmistakable — and contagious.
8. 2021 – vs. Tennessee (Historic Rivalry Matchup)
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She scored 27 points and made UConn’s win over Tennessee look effortless. However, she took a moment postgame to console a frustrated opposing player with a brief hug and words of encouragement. It was pure Paige — cutthroat during play, classy after the whistle.
9. 2021 – vs. DePaul (Triple-Double Performance)
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Bueckers recorded her first career triple-double: 17 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. After the game, she downplayed the stat line and instead shouted out her teammates’ defense. For Paige, the scoreboard mattered less than the synergy.
10. 2021 – Sweet 16 vs. Iowa (Caitlin Clark Showdown)
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Paige vs. Caitlin Clark had the media buzzing, but Bueckers kept her head down and finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Afterward, she met Clark at half-court and they embraced with smiles and mutual respect. Competitive, but never catty — that’s Paige.
11. 2020 – vs. Seton Hall (Late Game Takeover)
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With the game tied and momentum slipping, Paige hit two straight threes and stole the ball for a fast-break layup. Her face was pure fire — no theatrics, just focus. Geno later said, “She plays like she’s been here forever.”
12. 2021 – vs. Tennessee (Postgame Speech)
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After an emotional game, Paige dedicated the win to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, wearing a tribute on her shoes. Her voice cracked slightly as she said, “They inspire me every day.” It was a quiet but heartfelt homage, showing how deeply she channels her emotions into play.
13. 2023 – Blue-White Scrimmage (First Public Return)
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Fans erupted when she took the court for the first time since her ACL tear. Her smile lit up the gym, and after sinking a mid-range jumper, she blew a kiss to the crowd. It wasn’t a game on paper, but for Bueckers, it marked a spiritual win.
14. 2021 – vs. Arkansas (Tough Loss)
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In one of UConn’s rare defeats, Paige scored 27 but was visibly upset in the final seconds. She sat at the end of the bench, face in hands, refusing to blame others. That accountability showed leadership beyond her years.
15. 2021 – vs. Providence (Post-Game with Young Fan)
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After the win, she walked over to a young girl in the stands and handed her a wristband. The child’s stunned smile and Paige’s wink were caught on camera and went viral. A superstar on the court, a role model off it.