Paige Bueckers‘ rookie season with the Dallas Wings has been nothing short of extraordinary, epitomized by her recent 44-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 20, 2025, tying Cynthia Cooper’s WNBA record for the most points by a rookie in a single game, and the most points scored this season. Despite shooting an impressive 17-of-21 (81%), the Wings fell 81-80 on a last-second shot by Kelsey Plum. Bueckers has been a consistent force, scoring double digits in all 28 games this season, a feat unmatched league-wide. She’s on track to join Cynthia Cooper and A’ja Wilson as the only WNBA rookies with no single-digit scoring games.
However, the Wings’ 9-27 record and elimination from playoff contention highlight their struggles to support her. Maddy Siegrist’s 13 points were the next highest in the loss, with no other teammate reaching double figures. As the No. 1 overall pick and a national champion at UConn, Bueckers’ brilliance keeps Dallas relevant, but the team’s offseason must focus on building around her, much like Indiana did for Caitlin Clark.
Bueckers Opens Up on Resilience and Team Pride
After her record-tying performance, Paige Bueckers shared heartfelt reflections on her rookie journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges. Speaking post-game, she expressed gratitude for the support she’s received through adversity, saying, “Fans have seen the injuries, the tough times when I couldn’t play, and the ups and downs. For them to still believe in me means everything, and I’ll never take it for granted.”
Bueckers, who missed her entire 2022-23 college season at UConn due to an ACL tear, has faced similar hurdles in the WNBA, including missed games due to injuries and the challenge of playing for a rebuilding Wings squad. Despite the team’s losses, she emphasized her pride in their fight, stating, “Winning is always my goal, but I’m most proud of how this team battles. They mean so much to me.” Her leadership and resilience shine through, even as Dallas struggles to match her individual brilliance.
Chasing Clark’s Record and a Bright Future in the League
With eight games left in the 2025 season, Paige Bueckers has a slim chance to break Caitlin Clark’s WNBA rookie scoring record of 769 points, set last year with Indiana. Bueckers currently has 570 points, needing 200 more-averaging 25 points per game-to surpass Clark’s mark. Clark played all 40 games in her rookie season, while Bueckers, if she plays the remaining games, will have appeared in 37. Had she played the same 40 games, the record might already be within reach.
The Wings face Seattle today, August 22, and the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday, offering Bueckers opportunities to add to her historic campaign. At just 23, her career is only beginning, and her trajectory suggests even greater moments lie ahead, especially if Dallas bolsters its roster in the offseason.
Read the full article here
