On Wednesday, a former teammate of 2025 WNBA Draft top pick Paige Bueckers became one of the players cut during final roster moves. Despite her talent, high basketball IQ and reputation as a great teammate, Kaitlyn Chen was released by the Golden State Valkyries.

The No. 1 pick of the 2025 WNBA draft scored 15 points as the Wings claimed an 119-52 win over the Toyota Antelopes of the Women's Japan Basketball League. The crowd gave Bueckers a loud cheer as she took the court at College Park Center for her first WNBA action at home. Bueckers was visible early in the game as both a playmaker and scorer.

The Wings play the Minnesota Lynx on Friday in their season opener. Bueckers, who is from Minnesota, grew up rooting for the team and said playing them will be surreal. “I was their biggest fan.” pic.twitter.com/YuoyMPaJW5

With the regular season about to begin, the Wings have sent out a three-word warning to the rest of the WNBA about Bueckers. "Believe the hype," the social media post read.

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever ace, has been faced with a surge of misinformation and unwarranted criticism and now Paige Bueckers is being used to attack the 23-year-old guard.