Paige Bueckers is leading the way for Rookie of the Year honors in the WNBA, as the Dallas Wings star shows why she was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft.
The former UConn Huskies national champion is only one of 15 rookies in league’s history to average a minimum of 18 points per game.
Bueckers‘ also one of two rookies to average at least 15 points and five assists in their first season in the league. The other newcomer to do so? Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. Talk about some great comparison in Paige’s young career.
Paige Bueckers dominates defenders
Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers continues to prove she’s ready to become one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, even as her Dallas Wings struggle at the bottom of the standings with a horrible 9-31 record, another disappointing season for the fans.
On Friday night, the Atlanta Dream used a dominant fourth quarter to pull away for a 100-78 win. Bueckers posted 16 points and matched her career high with 10 assists, securing her second career points-assists double-double. The talent is there, no doubt about it.
The rookie guard showed she’s not afraid of contact, scoring off balance inside the paint and taking hits along the way. Paige Bueckers remains the only rookie this season with a points-assists double-double, now with two to her name.
The Dream secures a playoff spot
The Atlanta Dream has officially clinched a berth in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, solidifying one of the most successful stretches in team history. The Dream (25-14) are currently in third place in the standings and have already won 10 more games than last year, with five games remaining on the schedule
“This group has shown remarkable resilience and growth throughout the season,” said Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream head coach. “Clinching a playoff spot is the first step, but our focus remains on finishing strong and competing for a championship.”
The Dream‘s surge has been fueled by a complete team effort, headlined by three All-Stars: Allisha Gray, who has firmly entered the league MVP conversation, Rhyne Howard, a premier two-way force and strong candidate for WNBA All-Defensive Team honors, and Brionna Jones, delivering a career year as one of the league’s most dominant interior presences.
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