Caitlin Clark may have finally met her match. The Indiana Fever star had ruled the WNBA’s rookie landscape with record-breaking performances and dazzling stats-but now, a new challenger has entered the arena and claimed one of Clark’s exclusive feats. Enter Paige Bueckers.
No one questions the impact Clark made in 2024. With her lethal three-point shot, surgical passing, and off-the-charts basketball IQ, the Fever guard was the undisputed Rookie of the Year.
But as Clark battles injuries in her sophomore season, Bueckers is thriving in her transition to the pros. With clutch performances and an unselfish style of play, the Dallas Wings rookie is now rewriting the WNBA record books-and Clark’s name isn’t the only one up there anymore.
The record Paige just snatched from Caitlin
Until Monday night, July 7, Clark was the only rookie in WNBA history to average at least 15 points and 5 assists in her first 15 games. Not anymore. Even though Bueckers had a quiet night against the Phoenix Mercury, she officially matched Clark’s once-untouchable stat line.
Last season, Clark set the mark with 16.1 points and 6.2 assists over her first 15 games. With Monday’s 11 points and 3 assists at the Footprint Center, Bueckers now averages 18.2 points and 5.5 assists across the same span.
Despite a crushing 102-72 loss to the Mercury, Bueckers can take solace in her rapid rise-and in the growing chatter that she’s on track to follow in Clark’s footsteps as the 2025 Rookie of the Year.
Clark vs. Bueckers: The first pro showdown?
Bueckers’ historic milestone comes just in time. This Sunday, the Wings and Fever will meet for the second time this season-and it might mark the long-awaited first professional showdown between Clark and Bueckers.
Clark missed the first matchup in late June due to a groin injury that’s kept her sidelined for the past two weeks. Still, fans and analysts alike are holding their breath, hoping to finally witness two of the WNBA’s brightest rising stars face off on the court. Fingers crossed!
Read the full article here
