Paige Bueckers Ties WNBA Rookie Scoring Record with 44-Point Performance

Los Angeles, CA – Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers made history on August 20, 2025, tying Cynthia Cooper's 28-year-old WNBA record for the most points scored by a first-year player in a single game. Bueckers erupted for 44 points in an 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Bueckers' dominant performance showcased remarkable efficiency, as she shot 17-of-21 from the field (80.9%), including a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Her scoring output was the highest by any player in the WNBA this season and made her the first player in league history to score 40-plus points while shooting at least 80% from the field. She contributed more than half of the Wings' total points, scoring 44 of their 80.

Despite Bueckers' historic night, the Dallas Wings ultimately fell short. Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum secured the victory with a buzzer-beating floater, spoiling what would have been a perfect ending to Bueckers' record-tying effort. The loss eliminated the Wings from playoff contention, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the individual achievement.

Cynthia Cooper-Dyke originally set the 44-point rookie record on July 25, 1997, during the WNBA's inaugural season. While Cooper was technically a "first-year" player, she was 34 years old at the time and had extensive professional experience playing overseas, leading some to consider Bueckers' achievement as the "true" rookie record. Cooper's record stood unchallenged for nearly three decades before Bueckers matched it.

Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has been a standout performer throughout her rookie campaign. Her 44-point outburst is the latest in a series of impressive milestones, including becoming the fastest rookie to reach 500 points and 100 assists. She has also broken her franchise's rookie assist record and has been a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award.

The Dallas Wings, now 9-27 on the season, have struggled with injuries and consistency. While Bueckers' individual brilliance has provided bright spots, the team's overall performance has led to their early playoff elimination. Her continued development and record-breaking performances, however, signal a promising future for the young star.