Despite the fact that Caitlin Clark is out for a long time with a groin injury, it can not stop people from comparing her to one of the league’s very best, Paige Bueckers. Recently, one of the top names in sports media, Dan Patrick, gave his words on a budding rivalry.
The league is heading towards an exciting playoff season. And with the Dallas Wings out of the equation, there’s very little to cheer for Bueckers fans. Although it’s not all lost for the rookie, as Patrick had his favour for her.
Dan Patrick Gives Thoughts On Caitlin Clark-Paige Bueckers’ Rivalry
During the latest episode of The Dan Patrick Show, sports radio veteran Dan Patrick threw his hat in the ring, saying it’s not the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese but the Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers who’s Clark’s true rival. And we know what? He makes a solid case.
“Keep in mind, Paige Bueckers was Caitlin Clark before Caitlin Clark. This was supposed to be the rivalry. This was supposed to be Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers, and hopefully it will be. And I think we’re trying to have other rivalries, but that’s not the rivalry. Have [Clark and Bueckers] against each other, then maybe have something [else],” Patrick put it bluntly.
"Paige (Bueckers) will appeal to WNBA fans, Caitlin Clark appeals to the casual fan… but this could be the true rivalry that the WNBA could use."
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 21, 2025
– DP on Paige Bueckers' historic 44-point performance last night. pic.twitter.com/EA8eJ58m7w
Both are just 23, and they could be trading buckets for years, giving the WNBA some serious star power.
Why’s this coming up now? Well, on August 20, Bueckers dropped a ridiculous 44 points on the Los Angeles Sparks, tying the WNBA rookie record for most points in a game while shooting an insane 80% from the field.
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With Clark sidelined by injuries for most of the 2025 season and not back until 2026, Bueckers is stealing the show. However, their rivalry goes back to college. During the 2024 NCAA Tournament semifinals, Clark’s Iowa against Bueckers’ UConn was electric.
Is Paige Bueckers Really Better Than Caitlin Clark?
While the debate over whether Paige Bueckers is a better WNBA player than Caitlin Clark sounds like a curious case, we can not ignore the stats. Talking about the recent games, Bueckers’ record-setting performance in 44 44-point game where she went 17-of-21 shooting against the Los Angeles Sparks, makes a valid case for her.
With the game, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to score 40 points in a game while shooting 80 percent from the field, something the Indiana Fever star has yet to accomplish.
Paige is better in the midrange. Overall, it isn't even close. CC impacts the game so much more. https://t.co/NdH3LrlwBn
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) August 14, 2025
Additionally, Bueckers is also averaging 19.7 points per game along with her impressive shooting percentage of 47.4%. Interestingly, it has led some fans and analysts to assert that she’s surpassed Clark in terms of overall skill and potential.
However, statistical comparisons reveal a more nuanced story. While Bueckers edges Clark in points, steals, and shooting efficiency, Clark has superior numbers in assists and rebounds, averaging 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds in her rookie season.
Furthermore, WNBA expert Robin Lundberg suggests that while Bueckers may be better in certain areas, Clark has a more significant impact on the game overall.