Jose Fernandez Explains Decision to Rule Out Paige Bueckers Before Dallas’ Game vs Portland

Paige Bueckers scored 31 points, but head coach Jose Fernandez benched her anyway. The reason is simple: injury. Her latest injury concerns come at a time when the team is facing a crucial run of matches. However, Fernandez is exercising caution regarding their star player.

Paige Bueckers suffered an ankle injury in the game against the Phoenix Mercury. She described her injury by saying that she rolled her ankle while going for a rebound. Although she finished the game by taping her ankle, doubts remained about the extent and severity of the injury.

Initially listed as questionable before the game against the Portland Fire, Dallas management changed her status to ‘Out’. Coach Jose Fernandez is being cautious here. Her status will be monitored on a day-to-day basis going forward.

Paige initially downplayed the concern regarding her ankle. She dropped a season high of 31 points against the Mercury. Apart from her scoring, she also logged 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the night.

“I didn’t really feel it during the game. I just wanted to power through and help the team get a win,” she said after the game, as per Dallas Hoops Journal. She even wanted to play in the next game.

“I’ll do everything possible to recover and have it feeling better by tomorrow,” Bueckers said after the game.

However, Coach Fernandez was not going to have it. He prioritized long-term health over short-term wins.

“I think she’s going to be day-to-day,” Fernandez said. “It’s a long season, and caution is important. After the flight out here, it was the best decision for her to get rest tonight and get healed up,” he said.

“We’ve got a long year,” Fernandez added. “Paige is who she is, and trust me, she wants to be on the floor tonight. But the best thing for her longevity, her career, and the franchise is making sure we take care of her and that she takes care of her body.”

Coach Fernandez is usually known for believing in and backing his style and tactics with extreme confidence. He was not trying to sugarcoat his statement for anybody. The long-term health of their star should remain a priority for them. Even if Bueckers wants to play every game, someone must draw the line.

Paige Bueckers is crucial for this team

Coach Fernandez must be appreciated for showing some foresight here. After all, playing your star player to win now makes sense. Even more for Dallas. Especially as last season’s 10-34 record haunts the franchise.

Paige has been Dallas’ best player. She is averaging 19.8 PTS, 5.8 AST, and 3.6 REB this season. She is their best scorer by a long shot. Their second-best scorer, Arike Ogunbowale, comes in at around 6 points per game behind at 13.8.

So the sensation of playing Paige is all too good, too alluring for Dallas. Especially the way they have started the season. They are now 8-4. Injuries are piling up for Dallas. Doubts remain around Odyssey Sims and Carla Leite as well.

For now, Dallas would do well to keep their star player’s long-term health in perspective. Even if it means less-than-desirable results in the short term. We are only into 12 games of a 44-game-long season. Caution is desirable for the Wings right now.

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