The Dallas Wings suffered another setback, falling 85-76 to the reigning New York Liberty, dropping their record to 8-22 and moving further away from playoff contention. Despite the team’s difficulties, top rookie Paige Bueckers earned her second consecutive Rookie of the Month award just before the game. She finished with 21 points, marking her fourth straight game scoring 20 or more points and her 13th such performance this season. Bueckers is on pace for Rookie of the Year honors but is currently managing a strained back muscle, taking it day by day to maintain her form.
I was dribbling when I felt this tightness hit,
she said about her injury.
It’s day to day. Fingers crossed it doesn’t keep me out. I’ll focus on treatment and recovery.
—Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings guard
Bueckers Impresses with Kyrie Irving-Style Playmaking
In her recent game against the Liberty, Bueckers wowed fans with a quick crossover reminiscent of Kyrie Irving’s signature moves. She knocked down eight field goals en route to 21 points, extending her streak to 24 consecutive games scoring in double digits. Her scoring pace closely rivals that of Caitlin Clark, last season’s standout rookie, though Clark maintains an edge in assists, having set WNBA rookie records for the most assists in a single season and in one game.
Currently at 446 points through 24 games, Bueckers is tracking to break Clark’s rookie scoring record of 769 points set in 40 outings. Staying healthy and consistent will be key to surpassing that milestone, which would provide a notable highlight during a tough season for the Wings.
Bueckers Pursues Rookie Milestones Amid Team Challenges
Within this rookie season, Bueckers has climbed into the Wings’ top 10 for first-year players in points, assists, and steals. On July 30, she passed the 400 career point mark and joined Cynthia Cooper as one of the fastest in franchise history to reach 100 assists, doing so in just 22 games.
Since the Rookie of the Month award’s inception in 2010, only seven players have claimed it four times or more, including Tina Charles, Nneka Ogwumike, Elena Delle Donne, Breanna Stewart, Michaela Onyenwere, Rhyne Howard, and last year’s Caitlin Clark. By maintaining her current form and health, Bueckers stands to join this elite group, solidifying her status among the league’s most promising rookies.
Upcoming Tests and Playoff Outlook for Wings and Bueckers
The Wings’ path to the playoffs appears increasingly steep, especially if Bueckers’ back injury worsens. Their next games present challenges, including a rematch with the Liberty on August 8, followed by a matchup against the Washington Mystics and their impressive rookie Kiki Iriafen—May’s Rookie of the Month—on August 10. They will then face the Indiana Fever, likely without Caitlin Clark, offering another chance to gain momentum.
For Bueckers, these upcoming contests represent crucial opportunities to continue building her remarkable rookie resume despite the team’s overall struggles, as she aims to leave a lasting mark on the league by chasing and potentially surpassing Caitlin Clark’s rookie scoring record.