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Paige Bueckers is chasing a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup gold medal with Team USA. But the Dallas Wings star also has a playoff run waiting for her when the international tournament ends.
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Bueckers has been one of the most important players on a Dallas team that has already secured a postseason spot. The Wings will resume their WNBA regular season schedule on Sept. 17, with Bueckers expected to return from Berlin and help lead a team that has already lost its top draft pick for the season.
On Wednesday, however, Bueckers and the Wings received more difficult injury news during the World Cup.
Alanna Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a lower-leg injury in Australia’s opening group-stage game.
The Opals initially described Smith’s absence as precautionary because of lower-leg tightness, but she will not play again at the World Cup.
BREAKING: Alanna Smith is out for the remainder of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup after sustaining a lower leg injury in the Opals’ first game of the group stage.
#FIBAWWCpic.twitter.com/06YJenuXgM
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) September 9, 2026
Smith is an important piece for the Wings. Dallas signed the 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in free agency, adding a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. Her absence leaves the Wings hoping that she can recover in time for the postseason rather than dealing with another significant setback to their rotation.
Bueckers has already watched Dallas lose Azzi Fudd for the remainder of the season. The No. 1 overall pick was averaging 13.1 points, 1.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 30 games before a right knee injury ended her rookie campaign. She underwent arthroscopic surgery and will begin her rehabilitation with the team during the World Cup break.
Fudd is not the only player Dallas has had to manage physically. Jessica Shepard also dealt with an injury during the season, while Aziaha James has missed time. The Wings have still secured a playoff berth, but their margin for error gets smaller every time another important player is unavailable.
Bueckers has been productive in Berlin, including a 14-point performance in Team USA’s opening win over China. She will now continue the World Cup run before returning to Dallas to help the Wings.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 5:37 AM.