Paige Bueckers is looking unstoppable this season. And once again, while her team struggled, Bueckers advanced into rare professional air. The Dallas Wings’ narrow 88-85 loss to the Atlanta Dream may have tilted the scoreboard against them. But the night will be remembered for a different reason. With each controlled possession and decisive move, Bueckers exuded an elite confidence. In turn, she elevated herself to a standard that had remained untouched since the earliest days of the WNBA.
Atlanta closed out the final minutes with precision, seizing victory through a clutch three-pointer by Naz Hillmon. However, despite Atlanta winning, it was Bueckers who made life difficult for them. With Atlanta up by eight midway through the fourth quarter, the 23-year-old led a disciplined counter-surge.
In fact, the Wings did surge ahead at one point, with the score reading 83-81. Ogunbowale knotted the score late, but Hillmon’s final strike secured Atlanta’s 2-1 edge in the season series. And amidst all these, it was Paige Bueckers who stood tall, reaching an epic milestone.
Paige Bueckers Triumphs WNBA Legend Sue Bird
Bueckers had yet another cracker of a game. She dropped 21 points and seven assists, with no turnovers. And with it, she pushed her past the 400-point mark faster than any WNBA player since the league’s debut in 1997. The 23-year-old tied Cynthia Cooper’s long-standing record. What’s more? Bueckers has now logged the most rookie games in league history with at least 20 points, five assists, and no turnovers.
She also moved into sole possession of second place for the most rookie games with 15+ points and 5+ assists, passing Sue Bird with her 11th such effort. The leader in that category, Caitlin Clark, remains out of reach at 30. Sadly, this is a total. Bueckers cannot mathematically match this season, with only 16 games remaining. Still, in just a few months, Bueckers has compiled a résumé that places her in a select company.
Paige Bueckers moves past a legend 🏁
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 31, 2025
With 21 PTS & 7 AST tonight, she passes Sue Bird (10) for the 2nd-most games with 15+ PTS & 5+ AST by a rookie!
Only Caitlin Clark (30) ahead.#WelcometotheW https://t.co/oMIOTRpeet pic.twitter.com/kkTDj9ryGf
The Wings’ star has averaged 18.2 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and nearly 2 steals per game. Her ability to produce without recklessness continues to distinguish her among rookies. Moving on, the Wings will return Friday to face the Indiana Fever. And this was not the only WNBA record that Paige Bueckers has achieved this season.
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Paige Bueckers Gets Into WNBA Top 10 History
Paige Bueckers is bringing back memories of Caitlin Clark. Playing in her rookie season, Bueckers has etched her name into a rare and prestigious Top 10 trinity. And this was such a rare feat, that nobody has been able to replicate the same till now this year.
Bueckers has featured in the Top 10 lists of points scored, assists, and steals per game. In 21 games, the Wings’ rookie is averaging 18.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Surely, looking at her numbers this season, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Bueckers orchestrates her season from here.
Also Read: Paige Bueckers’ Second-Quarter Heroics In Wings-Liberty Game Blows Up Social Media