On August 20, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers delivered a performance that will be remembered in WNBA history.
In a narrow 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, Bueckers scored 44 points on 17-of-21 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.
This remarkable feat not only led her team but also set a new WNBA single-game rookie scoring record, surpassing the previous mark of 40 points set by Chiney Ogwumike in 2014.
Despite the team’s defeat, Bueckers‘ performance was a testament to her scoring prowess and composure under pressure.
Her 28-point second half showcased her ability to take over a game, drawing praise from fans and players alike.
Support from homegrown friends
Bueckers’ journey to this historic night is deeply intertwined with her roots in Minnesota.
Growing up in the Twin Cities, she formed lasting friendships with fellow basketball prodigies Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren.
Their bond began in elementary school and was solidified through their shared experiences in youth basketball leagues.
Both Bueckers and Holmgren were standout players in Minnesota‘s prep scene, with Holmgren‘s height and shot-blocking abilities drawing attention, while Bueckers‘ perimeter scoring turned heads.
Holmgren drew attention for his height and defensive abilities, while Bueckers impressed with her perimeter shooting and game IQ.
Bueckers later remarked, “He’s a unicorn-7-foot-1 and still moves like a guard. Scoring on him was impossible.”
Courtside support: Chet Holmgren’s presence
On the night of Bueckers‘ record-setting performance, Chet Holmgren was present courtside, offering his support.
Just weeks removed from helping the Oklahoma City Thunder capture an NBA championship, Holmgren shared a photo from his front-row view, captioned with his short but telling two-word reaction: “Great hoops #40PieceExtraSaucy.”
Bueckers responded with equal warmth and humor, commenting, “My boy Cheddar champ! ” on his post.
Holmgren also took to Twitter, sharing his excitement: “Turn this shit on Paige got 40” and “Idk where y’all can watch this game but Paige and Rickea goin at it rn.”
The growing bond between NBA and WNBA stars
Holmgren‘s presence at the game and the viral back-and-forth on social media highlight a growing trend of NBA and WNBA players supporting each other.
Bueckers‘ rookie record and Holmgren‘s NBA championship are milestones that run parallel, reinforcing a narrative of Minnesota talent thriving on the national stage.
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