Paige Bueckers delivered a commanding individual performance against Caitlin Clark’sIndiana Fever that not only underscored her rising stardom but also earned her a place in the WNBA record books.
Despite her Dallas Wings suffering a double-digit loss, Bueckers’ showing captured league-wide attention and marked a historic achievement in her rookie campaign on July 13.
Facing off against the Fever on Sunday, Bueckers led all scorers with 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding four assists and four rebounds, though her efforts were not enough to lift Dallas to victory as they fell 102-83.
Bueckers’ impact was undeniable, even in the face of Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year and one of the league’s biggest draws, who finished with 14 points, 13 assists, and five steals respectively.
The matchup was more than just another game, it marked the first professional meeting between two players who have long been considered generational talents in a rivalry stretches back to their days as standouts on the AAU circuit.
But on the WNBA stage, it was Bueckers who achieved a rare statistical feat that aligns her with a league legend as she became the fastest guard since Diana Taurasi to accumulate 300 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in her rookie season.
Though Dallas currently holds one of the league’s worst records at 6-16, Paige has emerged as a rare bright spot and is averaging 18.3 points, 5.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.
They’re numbers that not only put her firmly in the 2025 Rookie of the Year conversation as she seems set to inherit the honor from Clark, but they also suggest future All-WNBA potential.
“It’s fun any time we can compete against each other,” Bueckers said following the game. “We’re two competitors who just want to win and have grown up playing against each other, playing with each other, so it’s great.”
Clark reacts to Bueckers performance
Even amid her own shooting struggles, Clark expressed admiration for the way Bueckers has stepped into a leading role on a struggling Wings team. As the guard, who has known Bueckers since their time together on Team USA, praised her longtime peer’s composure and skill.
“She’s always just been smooth,” Clark said. “She takes what the game gives her, her middy has always been as nice as it’s been this year.
“She just plays way older than she is… She’s confident, she’s smooth, she just does everything at a high level and can score from all three levels.”
The Fever are next in action against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, July 15 at the TD Garden in Boston, with tip-off from 20:00 ET/17:00 PT. Meanwhile, the Wings take on Las Vegas Aces a day later on Wednesday, with tip-off at the College Park Center from 20:00 ET too.
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