“Unreal” Paige Bueckers set WNBA rookie scoring record with 44 points | WNBA

Paige Bueckers is more than one of the best shooting shows WNBA Rookie, but one of the best performances any player has ever performed.

The first choice for this year’s draft The Dallas Wings scored 44 points in a 81-80 loss to Los Angeles Sparks Wednesday night, the highest score for a rookie in WNBA history, the most in any game of any player this season.

The Bueckers sank 17 shots in 21 shots, including four of the 3-point shooting percentages, 4 of four, six of the 6 of the free throw line, becoming the first player in league history and earning more than 40 points on 80% shooting percentage with more than 40 points. She also has four rebounds and three assists.

The WNBA first-year record of 44 players was set by Cynthia Cooper in the first WNBA season (1997), when all players were “first year”. The real rookie record was reserved by Candace Parker, who scored 40 points in 2008. Overall WNBA record For the points in the match, it was 53, which was the total result achieved by Liz Cambage and A’ja Wilson. Bueckers’ 44 points put her in 10th place.

But it was a bittersweet performance for the Bueckers, whose main focus was winning.

“I’ve always been proud of myself and the team winning, which is obviously the main goal,” she said. “Honestly, I think I’m just proud of this team, just like the way we fight. This team means a lot to me.”

The Bookers, who scored the last 13 points in Dallas, praised their teammates.

“It’s just my teammates who have me open. Do screening for me, do some off-road action, try to get myself open,” she said. “Just bring the ball to the floor.” [Luisa Geiselsoder] I had amazing screens set up for me all night, and then my teammates were just looking for me to catch the ball, to open me up. ”

Bueckers teammate Arike Ogunbowale, who did not compete on Wednesday night, released “Roy” [Rookie of the Year] On X.

The Bueckers scored 630 points and 60 points over Ogunbowale’s team, which is 2019.

Teammate Maddy Siegrist posted on X: “Unreal. It’s an honor to play with you.”

Even Sparks fans realize they are witnessing something special, cheering every Bueckers basket as they approach the record.

“It’s a big deal because people have seen the struggle, people have seen the hurt, ups and downs,” said Bux, who struggled with injuries at UConn.

The Bueckers have a chance to hold the ball in their hands, leaving 30 seconds of clock and single point lead. The rookie defender attracted two defenders near the three-point arc, selflessly passing it to Aziaha James’ corner, whose three-point shooting percentage hit the back of the edge. Los Angeles brought the ball to veteran defender Kelsey Plum, who drove into multiple defenders in a runner on the buzzer and then into the alley.