Paige Bueckers stepped into the Unrivaled league’s 1v1 quarterfinals with confidence. She walked out on the wrong end of an 11-2 scoreline — and WNBA fans didn’t let it breathe.
Chelsea Gray set the tone immediately. She worked into her spots, took clean mid-range looks, and leaned on her experience. Bueckers never really found a rhythm. By the time the final sequence came around, the gap was clear. Gray created separation, absorbed contact, and finished the and-one to close it.
Bueckers offered a quick acknowledgment before heading off the court. That exit became part of the story.
@LissaStanfill wrote, “She walked out the same way everybody who got beat did. Either way, she has more balls than the men in the NBA—they’d never do a 1v1.”
She walked out the same way everybody who got beat did. Either way, she has more balls than the men in the NBA—they’d never do a 1v1.
— Lissa Stanfill (@LissaStanfill) February 14, 2026
@Invjolt posted, “Paige is the only person who can get destroyed and still make the other person feel like they’re in trouble.”
Then came the comparisons. @SeattleFanGZ commented, “This is who they’re trying to tell me clears Caitlin?”
It was one game, but online, one game is enough.
“Paige overhyped”: WNBA fans debate Bueckers’ ceiling
For many watching, the game looked like a textbook example of experience taking over. Gray controlled possessions from the opening whistle, while Bueckers struggled to find rhythm.
The former UConn standout made just one shot and missed her other five attempts. To WNBA fans, it was a reminder of the gap between rising stars and seasoned pros.
@ja_hutton7 posted, “Chelsea Gray’s still got that WNBA edge, Paige overhyped.”
@rushey82 added, “Would not have happened to CC.”
Not every takeaway was negative. @OlliramaSounds saw opportunity instead: “This is how you fix all star weekend. But who’s willing to run ones?”
One night in a 1v1 setting won’t define Bueckers’ trajectory, but it did spark conversation. For now, WNBA fans have plenty to dissect — from hype levels to the value of letting players settle things one-on-one.
