Paige Bueckers Matches WNBA Rookie Scoring Record in Narrow 81–80 Loss to Sparks

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 21, 2025) - Rookie guard Paige Bueckers had an amazing night, scoring 44 points. This tied her with Cynthia Cooper for the WNBA single-game rookie record. Still, the Dallas Wings lost 81–80 to the Los Angeles Sparks when Kelsey Plum made a buzzer-beater.

Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, shot an efficient 17 of 21 from the field, including a perfect 4 of 4 from three-point range and 6 of 6 at the free-throw line. She led Dallas late in the game, scoring the last 13 points. The final shot was a technical free throw with 1:03 left, putting the Wings ahead 80–79.

Plum, despite Bueckers’ great performance, took a high screen from Dearica Hamby. She then banked in a left-handed floater just as time ran out, winning the game for the Sparks. Plum had 20 points, and Rickea Jackson scored 25 points. Jackson also hit a career-high six three-pointers for Los Angeles.

Dallas’ loss knocked the Wings out of playoff contention. They ended the season with a record of 9–27. The Sparks are now 17–18. They’re still holding onto slim playoff hopes with one game left in August.

Bueckers has already set franchise assist records and is the fastest rookie to reach 500 points. Now, after just one season, she stands with one of the greatest scorers in WNBA history. She has firmly cemented her status as the frontrunner for 2025 Rookie of the Year honors.