Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers nearly single-handedly threw a wrench in the Sparks‘ plan of making the postseason, scoring 44 points, the most by anyone in the WNBA this season, while shooting 17-21 from the field, 4-4 from three, and 6-6 from the free throw line.
She tied the all-time rookie mark for points in a game, while also completing arguably the most efficient night in WNBA history.
A buzzer-beating floater from Kelsey Plum gave Los Angeles an electric 81-80 win over Dallas, but not before the Sparks felt the pressure of one of the new faces of the league.
PAIGE BUECKERSSSSSSS ? Waking up the beast!! pic.twitter.com/P6QkChVxDx
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 21, 2025
“She is a phenomenal player. Point blank period. She is amazing,” said Sparks’ forward Cameron Brink, when asked about Bueckers’ performance.
Los Angeles has used an 11-4 streak to pull themselves right into the middle of the postseason race. After battling through injuries, the Sparks fell into a massive hole in their first year under Lynne Roberts. Now healthy, they are hitting their stride at the perfect time of the season.
The Sparks are only a half-game back from the Storm and a game back of the Valkyries, who currently hold the last two spots in the playoffs. If they keep up their recent pace over the last nine games of the season, Los Angeles should take over one of the eight postseason positions.
“We have talked about making the playoffs since the beginning, and now we are kind of in a position to control our own destiny. Is it going to be easy? No,” said Roberts before the game.
“Our goal is still in front of us, which at this point in the season is what you want, but the goal was not to be in the hunt. The goal was to make it. So, we have to take care of business,” Roberts continued.
Winner winner, wings for dinner. ? pic.twitter.com/8O678VT2s9
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 21, 2025
They were lucky to escape the historic night from Bueckers, but a win is a win, especially at this point in the season.
It was 16 before the half, 15 in the third, and 13 in the fourth on the night for the massive Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
Just as Caitlin Clark before her, Bueckers built a massive following during her college days at UConn, a fan base that has traveled with her to the WNBA. Her jersey could be spotted all over the arena, and roars erupted from the crowd every time she drained a shot or was shown on the jumbotron throughout the game.
“It means a lot because people have gotten to see the struggle, through the injuries and times where I could not play, the ups and the downs. For me to have that type of story and for people to continue to follow me and still believe in me. It really means a lot and I am extremely grateful for that, and I never take it for granted,” said Bueckers.
Bueckers battled back from an ACL injury early on in her college career to become one of the most decorated players in UConn history, capping it off with a National Championship during her senior season.
Got 99 problems but a defender ain't one 🙂 pic.twitter.com/A75tfZtAWs
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 21, 2025
After the type of performance she put on at Crypto.com Arena, it is fair to reassess and wonder how good a player Paige Bueckers might become. She has the entire package and plays the game at a different pace than her peers.
“She lets the game come to her and takes what the defense is giving her. From bringing the ball up, playing off the ball, attacking downhill, and getting to the paint, she is always playing at her own pace. She doesn’t get sped up, which is really impressive for a rookie in this league, and maintaining her own tempo is what allows her to read the defense,” said Wings’ head coach Chris Koclanes.
The argument could be made that she will be the most valuable player in the league over the next ten years, yes, even ahead of Clark. She is a more physical and efficient player who can pick and choose from spots all over the floor. While Clark is a better shooter and generational passer, Bueckers might be the more dominant scorer, who was seemingly unstoppable tonight.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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