Noelle Quinn reveals how Paige Bueckers' calm command slows the game, unlocking her elite vision and scoring to dominate the Unrivaled league.
For Noelle Quinn, the difference is not just what WNBA star Paige Bueckers is doing, but how calmly she is doing it.
Quinn, now guiding Breeze BC in Unrivaled, has spent the early part of the season watching her star guard bend games without ever appearing hurried. After Sunday’s win over Rose BC, Quinn offered a detailed look into what separates Bueckers from nearly everyone else on the floor.
“She’s never in a rush,” Quinn said.
That sense of control has become a defining theme of Bueckers’ Unrivaled debut. Through nine games, the Dallas Wings guard is averaging 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, while ranking first in the league in assists and sitting third in scoring. She is shooting 55.3% from the field, 44.1% from three-point range, and 89.3% from the free-throw line, numbers that reflect both efficiency and decision-making.
Quinn emphasized that Bueckers’ feel for the game goes beyond production.
“She’s a savant,” Quinn said.
Quinn expanded on what she sees during games and practices, describing a player whose handle and vision create constant pressure on defenses.
“The ball on a string,” Quinn said. “And she has a vision to pass and score. It’s really cool to see her get to her spots.”
The praise carries added weight given Quinn’s perspective. Before joining Breeze BC, Quinn spent the 2025 season preparing to coach against Bueckers as the head coach of the Seattle Storm. Now, she is tasked with maximizing the very skill set she once had to scheme against.
Quinn pointed to Bueckers’ preparation as the foundation for her poise.
“She studies the game,” Quinn said. “She plays the right way, and it’s been a joy to coach her.”
That study showed up clearly against Rose BC. Bueckers finished with 32 points and 11 assists, marking her second 30-point performance of the Unrivaled season and coming in a head-to-head matchup with MVP favorite Chelsea Gray. Earlier this season, Bueckers set her high-water mark with 37 points against Mist BC, another performance defined by patience rather than pace.
For Quinn, the consistency is the takeaway. Bueckers’ ability to read defenders, manipulate angles, and choose when to score or distribute has allowed Breeze BC to stay competitive even as the standings tighten. At 5-4, Breeze remains firmly in the playoff hunt, with Bueckers’ steady command serving as the team’s anchor.
The guard’s impact has also resonated in the locker room. Teammates have fed off her energy and timing, knowing that possessions rarely feel forced when the ball is in her hands. The result has been a team identity rooted in balance rather than volatility.
Breeze BC returns to action Friday night against Hive BC, led by Sonia Citron. As the season progresses, Quinn’s assessment continues to frame Bueckers’ rise not as a hot streak, but as a reflection of a game that increasingly looks slowed down — and firmly under control.