Rookie Paige Bueckers Sets WNBA Scoring Records in Historic 44-Point Game

Paige Bueckers is making a remarkable impact in her rookie WNBA season with the Dallas Wings, drawing frequent comparisons to Caitlin Clark due to her scoring prowess and overall playmaking skills. Bueckers tied the WNBA rookie record by scoring 44 points in a single game, matching Cynthia Cooper's 1997 mark, and set new records for efficiency, including being the first player to score 40+ points while shooting 80% from the field in a game. Despite her individual success, Bueckers' team struggles with a 9-27 record highlight concerns about whether the Wings can fully capitalize on her talent. Her performance has earned praise from coaches and fans alike, with Sparks coach Lynne Roberts calling her a star who played at another level during her record-setting game. Bueckers' collegiate achievements are equally impressive, including being the first freshman to earn AP Player of the Year and setting various scoring records at UConn, culminating in her selection as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark's season with the Indiana Fever has been hampered by injuries, limiting her appearances and raising uncertainty about her return, even as her team holds a playoff-contending record.