The Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers has delivered an incredible rookie performance, marking one of the best in WNBA history, though it was a veteran from the Los Angeles Sparks who ultimately stole the spotlight.
Bueckers, once a standout at UConn and the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, tallied an impressive 44 points during the Sparks’ narrow 81-80 defeat. This not only set a new record for most points by a rookie in a single game, but it also represented the highest point total by any player so far this season.
She shot a remarkable 17 of 21 from the field, including a flawless four for four from beyond the arc, and contributed four rebounds along with three assists.
Interestingly, the previous rookie record for a single game was established in 1997 by Cynthia Cooper, who also scored 44 points in her inaugural season, at a time when all players were classed as “first year” players. Candice Parker, another Sparks legend, reached 40 points in 2008, making her the original holder of the rookie record.
Bueckers expressed her pride in her team, stating, “I’m always proud to win for myself and my team, so that’s clearly the main goal. To be honest, I think I am the most proud of this team.”
There’s a sense of uncertainty surrounding whether Bueckers can surpass Arike Ogunbowale’s overall rookie scoring record, which stands at 630 points from 2019. The Wings were indeed hopeful for a win, especially since Bueckers scored the final 13 points for her team. However, Sparks star Kelsey Plum had the last word.
In the closing seconds of the game, Plum held the ball tightly amidst heavy defense. She maneuvered past one defender, took it into the paint, and launched a floater. When the buzzer sounded, the ball hit the backboard and went in, sealing the game for the Sparks.
Plum finished with 20 points in the win, while Rickea Jackson led the team with 25 points, including six three-pointers.
