Paige Bueckers delivered an extraordinary performance on Wednesday night, equaling a WNBA rookie record with 44 points as the Dallas Wings faced the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles. However, the anticipated Kelsey Plum buzzer-beater win ensured the Sparks escaped with an 81-80 victory.
Setting records and high expectations
Bueckers, considered the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, matched a scoring mark previously set by Cynthia Cooper in 1997, a record classified as a rookie achievement due to the league’s first season despite Cooper’s veteran status at age 34 at the time. The UConn graduate dominated the evening, shooting an efficient 17-of-21 from the field and nailing all four of her three-point attempts, demonstrating scoring versatility even with tight defensive pressure.
Clutch moments define the final seconds
Despite Bueckers’ near-perfect shooting night, the Wings fell short as Los Angeles regained possession late in the game after a crucial defensive stop. With the clock winding down, Plum, who contributed 20 points, took control and sank a decisive short jumper at the buzzer, sealing the thrilling 81-80 win for the Sparks.
KELSEY PLUM GAME WINNER At the last second KP gets the runner to go to secure the 81-80 win over Dallas!DAL-LAS | League Pass pic.twitter.com/7dVq27VvIm— WNBA (@WNBA) August 21, 2025
Supporting contributions and playoff implications
Rickea Jackson added a solid 25 points for the Sparks, who now stand just half a game behind the Seattle Storm for the last playoff position, while trailing the Golden State Valkyries by one game for the No. 7 seed. This victory keeps the Sparks competitive in the playoff race heading into the final stretch of the season.
Bright future despite the loss
Though Plum’s buzzer-beater took the spotlight, Bueckers’ historic night dominated headlines, marking her as the first WNBA player this season to score 40 or more points in a game, surpassing Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. While the Wings may not reach the postseason this year, Bueckers’ performance hints at a promising career ahead, making her rookie season a memorable one even in defeat.