Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers go viral playing 1v1 at All-Star Weekend

WNBA stars Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) and Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) engaged in a viral one-on-one game during a practice session at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Collier, the current MVP favorite, and Bueckers, the leading Rookie of the Year candidate, showcased their competitive spirit and mutual respect stemming from their shared background playing for UConn under Geno Auriemma.

After practice settled on Friday morning, the pair battled playfully but intensely. Collier scored first using a jab step and drive. Bueckers responded by tightening her defense and hitting a difficult fadeaway shot. Observers noted both players were enjoying themselves while displaying clear competitive fire.

This interaction highlights their roles as leaders (Collier co-captaining Team Collier against Team Clark in the All-Star Game) and the strong bond of the "Huskies sisterhood" formed at UConn. Despite their current friendship (Collier also co-founded the Unrivaled league), both have significant team goals after the All-Star break.

Collier, leading the league with 23.2 points per game and averaging 7.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks, aims to lead the league-best Lynx (20-4) to the championship that eluded them last year.

Conversely, Bueckers, posting 18.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game (though shooting 32.8% from three), hopes to help the struggling Wings (6-17, last in the West) find their identity. She aspires to reach the level Collier and the Lynx currently occupy.