In an exhilarating matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks narrowly defeated the Dallas Wings 81-80, but the game was highlighted by an extraordinary performance from rookie Paige Bueckers. The Memphis Grizzlies star, Ja Morant, took to social media to commend Bueckers’ incredible achievement during this historic game.
Bueckers, a 23-year-old rookie, showcased her talent at the Crypto.com Arena, scoring an impressive 44 points, which not only set a new record for a WNBA rookie but also made her the highest scorer in a single game this season. Her performance was a testament to her skill and determination, as she led the Wings despite the loss.
With her 44-point game, Bueckers accomplished several significant milestones:
1. She tied the WNBA rookie scoring record, previously held by Cynthia Cooper for 28 years.
2. She surpassed Candace Parker’s rookie record of 40 points set in 2008.
3. Bueckers became the rookie with the most points scored in a game in Dallas Wings history.
4. She exceeded her own personal best in the WNBA (35 points) and at UConn (40 points).
5. Bueckers also set a new franchise record for the most games with double-digit scoring by a rookie, achieving this in 29 games.
In addition to her scoring, Bueckers contributed four rebounds and three assists, demonstrating her all-around game. After the match, Ja Morant expressed his admiration for her performance on X (formerly Twitter), simply stating, “Paige hoopin,” a phrase that encapsulates her standout night on the court.
Bueckers has quickly become a frontrunner for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. She has also been recognized as the WNBA Rookie of the Month twice, in June and July, solidifying her status as a rising star in the league.
As Bueckers prepares for her next challenge against the Seattle Storm, who currently hold a record of 18-18, her teammates and fans are eager to see what she will accomplish next. Meanwhile, Morant, a two-time NBA All-Star, continues to shine in the NBA, having previously been named Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player. He holds the franchise record for the highest points scored in a game, with 52 points against the San Antonio Spurs in early 2022.
This thrilling game not only showcased the talents of Bueckers but also highlighted the competitive spirit of the WNBA. With players like Bueckers and Morant leading the charge, the future of basketball looks bright, and fans can expect more exciting performances as the season progresses.