Paige Bueckers is making an indelible mark on the WNBA, with her performances continuing to stand out and set records.
The Dallas Wings faced off against the Washington Mystics on Sunday afternoon, marking Bueckers’ return after missing a game due to a back injury. Despite the absence, she bounced back quickly and led her team with 17 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field.
This performance extended her streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games to 25, tying her for the fourth-longest streak in WNBA history with Ruthie Bolton of the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs. As a rookie, this accomplishment is nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering Bueckers holds the longest active double-digit streak in the league.
But it wasn’t just her scoring that grabbed attention. Bueckers also etched her name in the WNBA record books by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 450+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 100+ assists. This milestone highlights her all-around game, which continues to impress fans and analysts alike.
A tough loss for the Wings
Despite Bueckers’ standout performance, the Wings fell short to the Mystics, losing 91-78. Washington was led by Kiki Iriafen, who posted 23 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Sonia Citron was also key for the Mystics, contributing 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting.
Washington shot a remarkable 54.2% from the field, far outpacing the Wings’ 36.5%, which proved to be the difference in the game.
While Bueckers led Dallas, her teammates also had decent outings. Arike Ogunbowale chipped in 12 points, Haley Jones contributed 11, and Luisa Geiselsoder added 10 points.
However, the Wings struggled to find enough support on offense to counter Washington’s prolific shooting. The team’s inability to keep pace with the Mystics offensively was a major factor in the loss.
This defeat marked the Wings’ fifth consecutive loss, leaving their record at 8-24. While a playoff berth is increasingly unlikely, the team remains in contention for the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, a silver lining in what has been a tough season.
Bueckers on track for Rookie of the Year Honors
Throughout the season, Bueckers has been a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. Averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, she has firmly placed herself among the top rookie guards in recent WNBA history.
This impressive all-around play has led sportsbooks to remove her name from the Rookie of the Year odds, acknowledging her dominance.
Though some fans have pushed for Sonia Citron as a potential dark horse for the award, Bueckers’ ability to face the toughest defenders every night and still put up impressive numbers sets her apart.
As the season progresses, it’s increasingly likely that Bueckers will secure a unanimous selection for Rookie of the Year, further cementing her place as one of the brightest stars in the WNBA.
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