Unreal Performance: Paige Bueckers Drops 44, Makes WNBA History
Paige Bueckers Makes History With 44-Point Rookie Performance, But Wings Fall to Sparks
In what can only be described as a historic night for women’s basketball, Paige Bueckers delivered one of the greatest scoring performances the WNBA has ever seen. The Dallas Wings rookie sensation poured in 44 points during Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, setting a new rookie scoring record and cementing her name among the league’s elite.
Despite her jaw-dropping performance, the Wings suffered a heartbreaking 81-80 loss, making the night a bittersweet one for both Bueckers and her team.
A Performance for the Record Books
From the opening whistle, Bueckers looked unstoppable. She knocked down 17 of 21 shots, went a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, and hit all six of her free throws. Efficiency and dominance rarely meet at this level, but on this night, the 22-year-old achieved both.
Her scoring outburst wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Bueckers became the first player in league history to score more than 40 points while shooting at least 80% from the floor. The performance ranks 10th all-time in single-game scoring across the WNBA, and no rookie has ever reached her 44-point mark.
For perspective, the rookie record had stood since 2008, when Candace Parker scored 40. Before that, Cynthia Cooper managed 44 in the WNBA’s inaugural season, but all players that year were technically “rookies.” Bueckers now owns the record outright, showcasing the brilliance that made her the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
Bitter With the Sweet
Even with her record-breaking night, Bueckers’ focus never wavered from what mattered most: the team.
“I’ve always prided myself and the team on winning, so that’s obviously the main goal,” she said afterward. “Honestly, I think I’m just most proud of this team and the way we fight. This team means so much to me.”
True to her selfless nature, Bueckers credited her teammates for helping create her scoring opportunities. “My teammates were getting me open, setting screens, and trusting me with the ball,” she explained. “They made this possible.”
Still, the heartbreak came late. With under a minute remaining and Dallas clinging to a one-point lead, Bueckers drew multiple defenders and made the smart pass to an open Aziaha James in the corner. The shot rattled off, and the Sparks capitalized as veteran guard Kelsey Plum drove through traffic to sink the game-winning floater at the buzzer.
Reactions From Teammates and Fans
Bueckers’ remarkable night sparked admiration across the WNBA community. Teammate Arike Ogunbowale, who missed the game, posted a simple but powerful “ROY” (Rookie of the Year) on social media. Fellow Wing Maddy Siegrist wrote, “Unreal. Honored to play with you.”
Even opposing fans in Los Angeles rose to their feet, applauding as Bueckers closed in on the record. For many, it wasn’t just about basketball—it was about watching a young star rise from years of injury struggles to shine brighter than ever.
“It means a lot because people have seen the ups and downs,” Bueckers reflected, referencing her time at UConn, where injuries often sidelined her. “This feels special.”
What Comes Next
While Dallas walks away with another loss, Bueckers continues to build a legendary rookie season. She is now just 60 points shy of Ogunbowale’s franchise rookie scoring record of 630 points, set in 2019. At her current pace, breaking that milestone feels inevitable.
For Bueckers, though, it’s clear the records are secondary. Winning—and doing it with her teammates—is what drives her. Still, Wednesday night will be remembered as the moment Paige Bueckers officially announced herself as one of the brightest stars in professional basketball.
✨ Final Takeaway: Paige Bueckers didn’t just make history—she reminded the world why the future of the WNBA has never looked brighter.
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