The WNBA’s new rookies from the last two years have been one of the most hyped in the league’s history, with big names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and now Paige Bueckers. After a big game on Wednesday night, it’s clear: Caitlin Clark is not the only top star in a select group for rookie scores, one that Angel Reese, even with her cool moves and big plays, is not part of just yet.
In just her seventh game, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers scored a high of 35 points, making 13 of her 19 field shots, and 5-of-7 from three-point range. She also got six rebounds and four assists in a game they sadly lost to Phoenix Mercury, but her play caught all the eyes. The league saw her tremendous talent quick.
“Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark as the only rookies to EVER achieve 35+ PTS and 5+ 3PM ,” the WNBA posted on social media early Thursday morning, acknowledging the incredible performance.
Climbing the mountain of success with Dallas Wings
Bueckers is now the second rookie, after Caitlin Clark, to hit these scores in one game. Clark hit these marks in the 2024 season, scoring 35 with six three-pointers in a tight 110-109 win over Dallas on September 15. Her game made her one of the best new stars the league has seen.
Now, Bueckers has done what not even fellow rookie star Angel Reese, -known both on and off court- has done. While Reese is known for strong defensive and rebounding skills with Chicago Sky, she hasn’t yet hit the scoring highs that Clark and Bueckers have, at least not yet.
Bueckers‘ game stands out even more since she just came back after missing four games for a concussion and illness. Her return added life to a struggling Wings team, though they are now having disappointing numbers, with1-10 overall this season.
In her first seven games, Bueckers averages 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, hitting nearly 49% of her floor shots. These numbers aren’t too far from Clark’s first-year averages of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, showing that Bueckers is fast proving herself as one of the best new guards.
Caitlin and Paige, coincidences beyond the game
The link between Clark and Bueckers goes deeper. Both were NCAA stars with many fans, Clark at Iowa and Bueckers at UConn, and both carried huge hopes into their pro careers.
Their similar stats and growing fame might soon make them the WNBA’s key rivalry, especially with their first pro game against each other set for June 27, when the Fever play Wings.
Angel Reese, on her grind with Chicago Sky
Meanwhile, Angel Reese keeps making her mark in other areas, most with her grit, fight, and double-doubles, but the “35-point, five-threes” club is a goal she hasn’t hit yet. It’s not a knock on Reese’s skills – which we all know how good they are- but it does show how uniquely strong Bueckers and Clark are in offense.
With these two setting high standards in WNBA history, fans and experts are all eyes on what comes next. One thing’s clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t alone at the top anymore and this group might be select, but it’s just starting to show its power.
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