Despite a rough start to the 2025 season for the Dallas Wings, one player continues to shine through the noise. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers has rapidly emerged as a beacon of consistency and versatility on a team struggling to find its rhythm, separating herself not just from her peers but even drawing favorable comparisons to last year’s No. 1 pick, Caitlin Clark.
In just her first ten games, Bueckers became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 50 assists.
That feat alone placed her in rare company, surpassing legends like Tamika Catchings and Cynthia Cooper. And while Clark has generated headlines for her deep shooting and off-court appeal, Bueckers is drawing attention for her statistical edge and efficient style of play.
Currently, she is one of only two guards in the league averaging at least 18 points per game on over 46 percent shooting. More impressively, Bueckers leads the entire WNBA in midrange field goals made, according to Real App data.
She has hit 41 total shots from midrange distances, well ahead of veteran Courtney Williams, who sits in second place. Official league tracking places her slightly lower, but she still tops the charts.
Statistical dominance across the board
Bueckers‘ impact is not limited to scoring. As of June 21, she had accumulated at least 150 points, 50 assists, and 25 combined steals and blocks-known as “stocks”-over her first ten games. Only Cynthia Cooper had previously matched those numbers as a rookie. Bueckers followed that with a near triple-double performance against Washington on June 23, putting up 20 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, and a block.
She is now the only rookie to log five games with 20 or more points and the only one to record a 10-assist outing. Her all-around excellence has helped her lead all rookies in points, assists, and steals. She also ranks top five among first-year players in rebounds and blocks, making her the most complete statistical rookie in the league.
While Clark remains a marquee name in the WNBA due to her long-range shooting and collegiate legacy, Bueckers is quietly crafting a resume that may rival or even surpass her. Clark plays with flair and explosive range, but Bueckers offers steadiness and multi-positional utility that is proving just as valuable, if not more so.
The contrast in styles is sharp. Clark thrives on the perimeter and quick scoring bursts, while Bueckers excels in controlled tempo, high-percentage decision-making, and elite midrange execution. Bueckers also currently ranks higher than Clark in league efficiency ratings, placing eighth to Clark‘s tenth.
Although the Wings are still working to find their footing in the standings, there is no doubt they have discovered their franchise cornerstone. Paige Bueckers‘ rookie campaign is not just impressive-it is historically significant. And while the headlines may focus elsewhere, her production speaks volumes.
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