Paige Bueckers Delivers Historic 44-Point Performance in Dramatic Loss to Sparks

Paige Bueckers scored a career-high 44 points against the LA Sparks

In a dazzling display of scoring prowess, rookie Paige Bueckers lit up Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, pouring in 44 points in the Dallas Wings’ narrow 81–80 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Sparks. It was a performance for the ages—both record-setting and bittersweet.

Bueckers matched the WNBA rookie scoring record of 44 points, originally set by Cynthia Cooper in the league’s 1997 inaugural season. Importantly, many now regard Bueckers as the official record-holder due to the unusual nature of that inaugural season, when every player was considered a "rookie" despite prior pro experience.

She became the first player in WNBA history to score 40+ points while shooting at least 80% from the field, going 17-of-21 overall, including 4-of-4 from three and 6-of-6 from the line.

It was not only Bueckers’s season-high but also broke the Dallas Wings franchise record for rookie career points in a single game. She tied the franchise record for field goals made in a game (17) and established a new franchise mark with her 29th consecutive double-digit scoring game, surpassing Cynthia Cooper and trailing only A’ja Wilson (33) and Candace Parker (32) all-time.

This historic performance could seal the deal for the WNBA Rookie Of The Year race and place Bueckers number 1.