Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings‘ No. 1 overall draft pick, has made a remarkable entrance into the WNBA in 2024, setting new rookie records while rising as a leading figure among the league’s emerging talents. In a season marked by high expectations and comparison to the league’s standout Caitlin Clark, Bueckers has delivered a series of historic performances that have captured fans’ attention and shifted the spotlight onto her.
Breaking Ground With Historic Rookie Achievements
Bueckers’ rookie season has been defined by a steady accumulation of milestones that underscore her impact on the court. On August 21, during a close 81-80 game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, she scored an impressive 44 points in front of over 13,000 spectators. This explosive performance extended her streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games to 29, surpassing Cynthia Cooper’s mark and placing her within reach of A’ja Wilson’s rookie record of 33 such games.
Earlier in the season, Bueckers reached another significant milestone by recording her 100th career assist while simultaneously surpassing 300 points, becoming only the second rookie in WNBA history to hit those figures within her first 19 games—a feat previously achieved by Caitlin Clark. Shortly thereafter, she became the first rookie ever to total 350 points and 100 assists within her first 20 contests, setting multiple new benchmarks for scoring and playmaking among first-year players.
Consistent Excellence Amid Team Struggles
Despite playing for a Dallas Wings team that has faced challenges near the bottom of the standings, Bueckers has consistently excelled, averaging nearly 19 points per game. Her ability to perform at a high level game after game has made her a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, distinguishing her as a key contributor even in difficult circumstances.
Her rapid growth includes becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 500 points and 150 assists, while also setting a record as the first drafted rookie guard in the WNBA to score in double figures in each of her initial 20 games. This sustained production highlights the blend of scoring prowess and playmaking skill that she brings to the Wings.
Paige Bueckers’ Approach and Impact on the WNBA
In an exclusive interview with Voice in Sport, Bueckers shared her personal mindset amid rising expectations:
I just try to be the best version of myself I can be for my team at the end of the day.
—Paige Bueckers, rookie guard
This philosophy has helped her stay focused and grounded, even as comparisons with Caitlin Clark—last year’s Rookie of the Year—have become unavoidable. With Clark sidelined by injuries and limited to only 13 games this season, Bueckers has stepped into the national spotlight, filling the role of an emerging star and drawing significant fan interest. Attendees arrive early to watch her warmups, and she regularly draws crowds seeking autographs and photos after games.
Her rising popularity coincides with a WNBA season that has shattered attendance records, surpassing 2.3 million fans across the league, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for women’s basketball. Bueckers has also acknowledged the pressure of comparison, stating she is
running her own race and not the race of comparison,
—Paige Bueckers, rookie guard, emphasizing her individual focus despite inevitable parallels with Clark.
A New Face of the League and What Lies Ahead
Paige Bueckers’ rapid ascent has not only bolstered the Dallas Wings’ prospects but has also brought fresh energy and excitement to the WNBA. Whether or not she surpasses A’ja Wilson’s record for consecutive double-digit scoring games, Bueckers has already demonstrated her capacity to redefine what is possible for rookies in the league. At 23, she is quickly moving beyond being just a promising prospect to becoming a cornerstone player and a symbol of the league’s bright future.
Her performances and growing fanbase suggest that she will continue to be a central figure both on and off the court, increasing the profile of the Wings and the broader WNBA. As the season progresses, Bueckers is poised to challenge long-standing records and elevate the league’s competitive landscape, providing basketball enthusiasts with a thrilling new star to watch closely.