Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers delivered a historic performance on Wednesday that captured the attention of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA fans and players alike. In a thrilling game against the LA Sparks, Bueckers scored an unprecedented 44 points, setting a new record for the most points scored by a rookie in league history. LA Sparks star Cameron Brink, who witnessed the performance firsthand during the Sparks’ narrow 81-80 home victory, openly expressed her admiration for the young guard’s exceptional talent.
The Wings rookie not only set the rookie scoring record but also had the highest point total of any player in the WNBA this season. After the impressive display, Brink made her position clear about Bueckers’ skill level.
“She’s a phenomenal player. Point blank period,” Brink told reporters.
Bueckers’ Efficient Scoring and Brink’s Balanced Contribution
Paige Bueckers’ scoring was remarkable not only for its volume but also for its efficiency. She converted 17 of 21 field goals and made all her shots from beyond the three-point line, marking the first time in league history that a player reached 40 or more points with at least 80% shooting accuracy from the floor. This blend of volume and precision emphasized her dominance on the court.
Meanwhile, Cameron Brink contributed significantly to the Sparks’ win with an all-around performance. The former No. 3 draft pick tallied 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while shooting 5 of 9 from the field. Brink’s efforts helped the Sparks secure a close victory despite Bueckers’ record-breaking outing.
Bueckers Credits Teammates for Her Success After Career Night
Following her career-high effort, Paige Bueckers highlighted the crucial support from her teammates, underscoring the team’s role in her individual success. Bueckers acknowledged how her teammates’ effort in setting screens and creating opportunities allowed her to find open looks and score efficiently.
“Just my teammates getting me open,” Bueckers said on her teammates’ impact. “Screening for me, running some off-ball actions, trying to get myself open looks. Just bringing the ball up the floor. (Luisa Geiselsoder) set amazing screens for me the entire night and then my teammates just looking for me, getting me the ball, getting me open.”
Despite Bueckers’ extraordinary performance, the Dallas Wings fell to a 9-27 record and were eliminated from playoff contention. As the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, Bueckers will return to action on Friday when the Wings take on the Seattle Storm, aiming to build on her remarkable season.