Paige Bueckers drops 4-word reaction as UConn teammate returns from injury

Aubrey Griffin made her return on Sunday, and Paige Bueckers was right beside to support her. Griffin played 11 minutes as the sixth-ranked UConn Huskies posted a 96-36 win over the Seton Hall Pirates.

The Huskies first announced Griffin's availability for the game via their social media with a special video. Bueckers reposted it on her Instagram story and wrote:

"The Aubdawg is back."

Paige Bueckers' reaction to Aubrey Griffin's return (Credits: Instagram/@paigebueckers)

Aubrey Griffin sustained a left ACL injury on Jan. 3, 2024, against Creighton and missed the 2023-24 season. She was averaging 9.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

Griffin entered the game to loud cheers from fans at the Gampel Pavilion. She finished with three points, four rebounds and two assists.

During his chat with the media postgame, UConn coach Geno Auriemma was asked about Aubrey Griffin's return.

"I'm sure she's a little bit sore and little bit tired," Auriemma said. "When you haven't played in so long, that's why I wanted to play her, short spurts. You see some of the things that she likes to do, so I thought she had fun, just putting that uniform on and going out there and the reaction from the crowd.

"I'm really thrilled for her. I really wasn't expecting anything at all. I was happy to see her out there, and we'll build on it little by little."

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Paige Bueckers sets career milestone at UConn

Entering the game with 1,994 points, Paige Bueckers was set to cross the 2,000-point milestone on Sunday. She did it in the second quarter with a jumper as UConn led 32-11.

Bueckers achieved the feat in 102 games, six quicker than the previous record holder Maya Moore (108). She is now the 12th Huskies player to reach 2,000 points, and the first player to do so, Kerry Bascom, was present in the stands to witness the moment.

Paige Bueckers finished with 18 points, bringing her total to 2,012. She also had two rebounds and seven assists.

When asked about the milestone in her postgame chat with the SNY channel, the guard said:

"It means everything, but it takes a village. I did not get here by myself. It's funny. I have my Pilates instructor here, Brook. It's just the people, my coaches, my teammates, everybody who's invested in me and stayed with me. I had a tough journey, but it's been a beautiful journey.

"Everybody sees the 2,000 points, but nobody sees the 2,000 days of hard work. So, it's just a testimony to everybody who has invested in me."

The No. 6 Huskies will host Villanova next on Sunday.