Paige Bueckers delivered a historic performance with 44 points, a career high and the best individual mark of the WNBA season. However, not even her brilliance could prevent the Dallas Wings from falling 81-80 to the Sparks, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Kelsey Plum.
Despite the result, fans didn’t show frustration. On the contrary, the ovation was constant. Bueckers has carried the team for weeks without a reliable second scorer by her side. Her outstanding effort has already made her the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Paige Bueckers connects with the fans
With this game, Paige outscored her entire squad combined and broke her tie with the legendary Cynthia Cooper by reaching 29 consecutive games with double-digit scoring. She now ranks third in rookie history, just five games shy of A’ja Wilson’s record.
But beyond the numbers, what truly moved people was her reaction to the crowd’s support. “It means a lot because they’ve seen my struggle, my injuries, the moments when I couldn’t play,” she confessed. Her season echoes that of Sabrina Ionescu in 2020, marked by physical and emotional obstacles.
Injuries plague the Dallas Wings
The night grew even more bitter with JJ Quinerly’s injury, who went down in the fourth quarter with an apparent issue in her left foot. Although she later managed to put weight on the leg, her status remains uncertain. Quinerly had brought energy off the bench with five points and solid defense.
This blow adds to a long list of absences in Dallas. Li Yueru is out with an ACL sprain, Arike Ogunbowale is battling tendinitis, and Maddy Siegrist and Ty Harris have also suffered serious injuries. The lack of continuity has been a constant obstacle.
Wings face a tough season
Despite everything, Bueckers remains grateful. “The fact that people keep believing in me means so much. I’ll never take it for granted,” she said emotionally. Her coach, Chris Koclanes, also praised her: “Paige is one of a kind. She handles pressure with grace and always puts the team first.”
With a 9-27 record, the Wings are facing a tough season. But one thing is clear: Paige Bueckers is not only making history-she’s winning the hearts of everyone who watches her play.
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