In a stunning display of talent and skill, Paige Bueckers not only delivered one of the best shooting performances by a WNBA rookie but also etched her name in the annals of basketball history. The top pick in this year’s draft scored an incredible 44 points during the Dallas Wings' narrow 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night. This remarkable achievement marks the most points scored by a rookie in WNBA history and the highest point total recorded by any player this season.
Bueckers showcased her shooting prowess by sinking 17 of 21 attempts from the field, including a flawless 4 of 4 from beyond the three-point line and a perfect 6 of 6 at the free-throw line. With this performance, she became the first player in WNBA history to score over 40 points while shooting at an exceptional 80% from the floor. Additionally, she contributed four rebounds and three assists, further proving her all-around impact on the game.
The previous WNBA first-year player record of 44 points was set by Cynthia Cooper during the league's inaugural season in 1997, a time when all players were considered 'first year.' The true rookie record was held by Candace Parker, who scored 40 points in 2008. The overall WNBA record for points in a single game remains at 53, a feat achieved by Liz Cambage and A’ja Wilson. With her 44 points, Bueckers now ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list.
Despite her impressive individual performance, Bueckers expressed a bittersweet sentiment, emphasizing that her primary focus is on team success. “I’ve always prided myself and the team on winning, so that’s obviously the main goal,” she stated. “Honestly, I think I’m just most proud of this team, like, the way we fight. This team just means so much to me.”
Highlighting her teamwork, Bueckers credited her teammates for their support during the game. “Just my teammates getting me open. Screening for me, running some off-ball actions, trying to get myself open looks,” she explained. “Luisa Geiselsoder set amazing screens for me the entire night, and then my teammates just looking for me, getting me the ball, getting me open.”
Even though teammate Arike Ogunbowale did not play on Wednesday night, she showed her support by posting "ROY" (Rookie of the Year) on social media. Bueckers is now just 60 points shy of surpassing Ogunbowale’s franchise rookie scoring record of 630 points, which was set in 2019. Teammate Maddy Siegrist also praised Bueckers on social media, stating, “Unreal. Honored to play with you.”
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with even the Sparks fans recognizing they were witnessing something special, cheering for each basket Bueckers made as she approached her record-setting feat. “It means a lot specifically because people have gotten to see the struggle, and people have gotten to see the injuries, and the ups and downs,” Bueckers reflected, acknowledging her journey, which has included overcoming significant injuries during her time at UConn.
Bueckers had an opportunity to seal the game for the Wings with the ball in her hands and just 30 seconds left on the clock, holding a one-point lead. She skillfully drew two defenders near the three-point arc but chose to unselfishly pass the ball to the corner for Aziaha James. Unfortunately, James' three-point attempt hit off the back of the rim, allowing the Sparks to regain possession. Veteran guard Kelsey Plum then drove to the lane and banked in a runner at the buzzer, sealing the game in a dramatic finish.
As Bueckers continues to shine in her rookie season, her record-breaking performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in WNBA history.
