During the current WNBA season, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has publicly recognized Courtney Williams as the best midrange shooter in the league, while continuing to commend Paige Bueckers’ overall skill set. Collier’s shifting views emerged after a commanding victory over the Las Vegas Aces, reflecting the competitive impact these players have had so far in 2025. Featuring prominently in this discussion, Collier praised both players’ abilities, demonstrating respect for their distinct offensive strengths.

Earlier in the season, Collier acknowledged Bueckers’ talent with particular emphasis on her midrange prowess:

Mid-range is probably the hardest to master, and she’s really good in the mid-range. But especially as a point guard, being able to score at all levels—and then her vision is really impressive, especially for someone who hasn’t played professionally yet.

—Napheesa Collier. Bueckers has backed up this assessment with 18.1 points per game and a 19.1% success rate on 2-point midrange attempts.

Courtney Williams Earns Top Praise After Stellar Performances

After the Minnetonka Lynx’s impressive 109–78 win over the Las Vegas Aces, Collier redirected her midrange shooting praise toward teammate Courtney Williams. Williams scored 23 points on highly efficient shooting, going 10-for-12 overall and 3-for-4 from three-point range. Collier said of Williams,

Courtney’s the best in the game at shooting mid-range. And so every single time she comes off that, I have confidence that she’s going to make the right read and she shoots,

followed by,

It’s going in. She’s going to drop a dime.

—Napheesa Collier.

Williams has demonstrated consistent midrange mastery throughout the season, shooting 38.4% on midrange attempts across 26 games, a higher raw percentage than Bueckers. Her career-best midrange shooting dates back to 2016 when she achieved 66.7%, and last season she maintained a strong 57.5% efficiency over 40 games. These numbers reinforce Collier’s shift in emphasis toward Williams’ midrange effectiveness as a fundamental offensive weapon.

Statistical Comparison: Paige Bueckers Leads in Midrange Field Goals Made

Despite Collier’s admiration for Williams’ game, Paige Bueckers still leads the league in midrange field goals made per game, averaging 2.7 on 46.9% shooting. This accounts for over 40% of her total field goals, making her a formidable threat from pull-up opportunities at the elbow or following screens. Bueckers ranks in the 99th percentile league-wide both in attempts and successful midrange shots, underscoring her dominance.

In total, Bueckers has successfully made 41 midrange shots—25 from 10 to 15 feet and 16 from 15 to 19 feet—surpassing Williams’ total of 31. As Dallas Wings’ lead guard, Bueckers’ midrange scoring is pivotal to her team’s offensive strategy, stretching defenses and enhancing floor spacing. Her ability to pull up off screens forces defenders to respect her scoring, which opens lanes for driving and passing.

Courtney Williams, meanwhile, is second in the league, converting 2.5 midrange field goals per game at 38.9% shooting. Although her efficiency is lower than Bueckers’, her volume and veteran experience make her a critical element in Minnesota’s offense. Her 23-point, 10-of-12 shooting performance, paired with five assists against the Aces, highlighted her two-way contributions and leadership on the court.

Paige Bueckers Continues to Rise Despite Team Struggles

While the Dallas Wings have faced challenges at a 7–18 record, their standout rookie Paige Bueckers has continued to improve and break records. In a recent game against the Las Vegas Valkyries, she scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting, adding six assists and four steals. This game contributed to Bueckers becoming the fastest rookie in WNBA history to record over 350 points and 100 assists—a significant milestone reflecting her impact.

Bueckers also holds the record for the second-most games by a rookie with a minimum of 15 points and five assists. Her collegiate success, which includes leading UConn to a national championship and earning the John R. Wooden Award, has translated into an immediate professional impact. Despite the Wings rebuilding, Bueckers’ talent offers fans hope for the franchise’s resurgence.

The Midrange Crown: A Duel Between Experience and Youth

The midrange scoring title in the WNBA appears to be a fascinating contest between seasoned veteran Courtney Williams and emerging star Paige Bueckers. Collier’s evolving praise reflects the unique qualities each player brings: Williams’ proven shooting precision and court management and Bueckers’ dynamic scoring efficiency and playmaking ability. Both are essential to their teams, shaping how opponents defend them and how their offenses operate.

Williams’ experience and efficiency control critical game moments, while Bueckers’ youthful energy and statistical dominance suggest she is a rising force likely to influence the league for years to come. Their contest for midrange superiority highlights the blend of veteran savvy and rookie brilliance that defines today’s WNBA.