Paige Bueckers' Behavior Toward Kaitlyn Chen Before WNBA Game is Turning Heads
Paige Bueckers' Behavior Toward Kaitlyn Chen Before WNBA Game is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Golden State Valkyries signed Kaitlyn Chen to a contract on Sunday, many were quick to notice the fact that she would be available for the team's game against her former UConn Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.
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Naturally, fans were ecstatic to hear that Chen was getting a shot at the WNBA and that her first game would be against Bueckers. Golden State initially drafted the 23-year-old guard with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 draft, but she didn't make the cut for the team's final roster.
Fortunately, with some Valkyries players taking a temporary leave for EuroBasket 2025, the Valkyries had some spots open up, allowing them to give Chen a chance.
Now, ahead of the Valkyries' game against the Wings on Tuesday, it didn't come as a surprise that Chen and Bueckers shared a moment.
In a video posted by the WNBA, Chen can be seen approaching Bueckers, tapping her fellow rookie's back and quickly hugging her. Bueckers was all smiles as she also embraced Chen, clearly happy to see her friend make it to the league.
Fans absolutely loved the interaction, with many taking it to the comments section to share their reactions.
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"This got me giggling kicking my feet. Can't wait to see them play against each other!!" a commenter wrote. Another one said, "best reunion ever."
"The stuff that can heal hearts," a fan added.
A supporter gushed, "aww stop it i miss them."
"Paige's hugs seem so warm and sweet," a fifth follower remarked.
A sixth social media user stated, "this is so cute."
Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) before the game against the Los Angeles Sparks.Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Paige Bueckers has always been supportive of Kaitlyn Chen and her UConn teammates. In fact, after the Wings made her the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Bueckers endorsed Chen and Aubrey Griffin and encouraged WNBA teams to draft them.
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Related: Paige Bueckers Makes Unexpected Food Admission: 'It's Just Gross to Me'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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