In a thrilling WNBA matchup on Wednesday, Paige Bueckers delivered a season- and career-high performance, scoring an astounding 44 points—the highest in the league this year and tied for the 10th most points in WNBA history. However, despite Bueckers' extraordinary effort, the Dallas Wings fell just short against the Los Angeles Sparks, losing 81–80 in Los Angeles, which officially ended their playoff aspirations.
Bueckers' impressive 44 points came on an incredible 81 percent shooting from the field, complemented by three assists and four rebounds, showcasing her determination to keep the Wings' playoff hopes alive. Despite her standout performance, the team could not secure the victory. Kelsey Plum emerged as the hero for the Sparks, hitting a game-winner at the buzzer. Plum finished the night with 20 points and four rebounds, while Cameron Brink contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Rickea Jackson led the Sparks with 25 points, powering the team to a narrow victory.
Despite Bueckers' remarkable rookie season, the Wings' record fell to 9-27, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention. The Sparks improved to 17-18, tightening the race for the final playoff spots alongside the Seattle Storm and Golden State Valkyries. The last time Bueckers faced Brink on August 15, she made history by setting the franchise rookie assist record with her 143rd assist of the season, and she became the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 100 assists.
The game kicked off with Luisa Geiselsoder scoring for the Wings with a deep 25-foot three-pointer, followed by another triple from Bueckers—both assisted by Grace Berger. Bueckers added a free throw and a mid-range jumper to cap a 9-0 run, while the Sparks struggled to find the scoreboard in the first five minutes. By the end of the first quarter, Bueckers had eight points, while Brink contributed five, including a three-pointer. Despite the slow start, the Sparks led at the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter began, the Sparks maintained their momentum, scoring four quick points. With less than four minutes to go and the Wings trailing by 13, a timeout sparked a significant turnaround for Dallas. They responded with a 13-point burst, trimming the deficit to just seven points by halftime, with Bueckers leading the Wings with 16 points on 75 percent shooting. Siegrist added nine points, and JJ Quinerly contributed five, while Rickea Jackson led the Sparks with 17 points at the half.
The Wings exploded in the third quarter, scoring 29 points and holding the Sparks to just 15 points in a dominant display that flipped the game. Bueckers was instrumental during this stretch, pouring in 15 points and helping Dallas take a 66-59 lead into the final quarter.
The final quarter saw the Sparks open with a 10-0 run, but Bueckers answered back with a clutch three-pointer, briefly reclaiming the lead for Dallas. Remarkably, she scored all of the Wings' 14 points in the fourth quarter in a heroic solo effort. However, despite her incredible performance, it was Kelsey Plum who ultimately spoiled the night by burying the game-winner in the final seconds.
As the season nears its conclusion, the Dallas Wings will face the Seattle Storm at home this Friday. Meanwhile, the Sparks will enjoy a lengthy break before taking on the Phoenix Mercury at home next Tuesday. With the playoff race tightening, every game will be crucial for teams vying for a postseason spot.
