Paige Bueckers delivered an extraordinary performance for the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night, scoring 44 points in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Although the Wings lost in a heartbreaker, Bueckers’ historic effort drew attention from NBA stars, including Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren, highlighting her growing influence in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA.
Bueckers’ 44-point night came in a tightly contested game that ended with a last-second buzzer-beater from Kelsey Plum, sealing a 81-80 victory for the Sparks. Despite the close loss, Bueckers showcased her scoring prowess and determination, cementing her status as one of the league’s premier talents.
Chet Holmgren and Ja Morant Celebrate Bueckers’ Historic Night
Chet Holmgren, present at the arena to support his longtime friend, expressed his excitement on social media during the game. Holmgren and Bueckers share a unique bond, having known each other since the third grade in Minnesota and often exchanging praise for one another’s skills.
Holmgren’s posts captured the intensity of the game and the admiration for Bueckers’ effort.
“Idk where y’all can watch this game but Paige and Rickea goin at it rn,”
he wrote in his first update. Later, he urged fans to pay attention:
“Turn this shit on, Paige got 40,”
before posting a final message of heartbreak after the loss, symbolized by five broken heart emojis.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant, star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, acknowledged Bueckers’ supreme performance with a simple yet enthusiastic post on X during the match, calling it “Paige hoopin.” Both NBA players’ recognition highlights Bueckers’ rising stature beyond the WNBA.
Record-Breaking Performance Amid a Challenging Season
Bueckers’ night was marked by remarkable statistical achievements. She shot perfectly from the three-point range, making all four attempts, and converted six free throws without a miss. Her overall field goal percentage surpassed 80%, making her the first WNBA player to score over 40 points in a game while shooting at that efficiency. This feat also broke Candace Parker’s record for the most points scored by a drafted rookie in a single game.
Her 44 points were accompanied by four rebounds and three assists. Despite these outstanding numbers, the Wings fell just short of victory as Plum’s buzzer-beater handed the Sparks the win. This game held extra significance as a potential must-win for the Wings’ hopes of reaching the playoffs, but the defeat officially ended Dallas’s postseason chances in Bueckers’ rookie year.
Bueckers Reflects on Her Journey and Future Aspirations
Following the game, Bueckers acknowledged the difficulties she has faced, including injuries and on-court struggles, and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from fans. She said,
“People have gotten to see the struggle, the injuries, the times where I couldn’t play … For me to have [this] story and people to continue to believe in me, it means a lot.”
The 2025 No. 1 WNBA draft pick has had an impressive rookie season despite the team’s troubles, averaging 18.8 points, 5.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Even as the Wings finished the season with a 9-27 record, Bueckers remains optimistic about the future. As a Minnesota native, her desire to lead and inspire her team to build around her talent is strong, aiming to transform the Wings into genuine playoff contenders.