Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 20, 2025) — Paige Bueckers put her name in the record books on Wednesday night, delivering a rookie performance for the ages with 44 points, but it still wasn’t enough as the Dallas Wings dropped a nail-biter, 81-80, to the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.

The 21-year-old rookie sensation was unstoppable, shooting 17-of-21 from the field (.809), 4-of-4 from three, and a perfect 6-of-6 at the line, while adding four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Her 44 points shattered Candace Parker’s 40-point rookie record (2008) and eclipsed the Wings’ franchise rookie scoring mark.

Despite Bueckers’ brilliance, Dallas fell to 9-27, officially eliminated from playoff contention, while Los Angeles climbed to 17-18 and kept its postseason hopes alive.

History in the Making

Bueckers’ 44-point night set multiple milestones:

• Most points ever by a rookie in a single game (44), surpassing Parker’s 40.

• Most points by a rookie in franchise history.

• First player in league history to score 40+ while shooting at least 80% from the floor.

• Most points in a game by any WNBA player this season.

• Tied the franchise record for most field goals made (17).

• Became the first Wings rookie with 29 straight double-digit scoring games.

It was also the second time this year she topped 35 points, tying Arike Ogunbowale for second-most in franchise rookie history.

Game Flow

First Quarter – Sparks Rally Late

The Wings stormed ahead with a 9-0 run fueled by Bueckers and Grace Berger, only for Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson to fire back. Jackson poured in eight first-quarter points, including a late three that gave LA an 18-16 lead after one.

Second Quarter – Sparks Surge, Wings Respond

LA extended its run to 30-9, grabbing a 12-point cushion. But Dallas clawed back, led by Maddy Siegrist’s two threes and Bueckers’ steady scoring, trimming the halftime deficit to just seven, 44-37.

Third Quarter – Bueckers Explodes

The game flipped in the third. Luisa Geiselsöder and Haley Jones drilled consecutive threes to spark momentum, before Bueckers took over with 15 points in the period on 6-of-6 shooting. Dallas outscored LA 29-15, entering the final frame with a 66-59 advantage.

Fourth Quarter – Sparks Seal It

The fourth quarter saw nine lead changes. Bueckers again carried Dallas, scoring 13 of the Wings’ 14 points in the final 10 minutes. With 1:03 left, she gave Dallas a 1-point lead at the free-throw line, but Kelsey Plum hit the game-winning floater as the buzzer sounded to secure the 81-80 win for LA.

Supporting Casts

Siegrist was the only other Wing in double figures with 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep. Berger added a career-high seven assists, while Geiselsöder chipped in six points and six rebounds.

For Los Angeles, Jackson finished with 25 points, while Dearica Hamby posted nine rebounds and Julie Allemand dished out eight assists. Plum scored 20, including the decisive final basket.

By the Numbers

• Dallas shot 48.3% overall, 57.9% from three, and 78.6% at the free-throw line.

• LA shot 44.9% overall, 30.8% from three, and 88% from the stripe.

• The game featured three ties and 15 lead changes.

• Dallas’ bench dominated the Sparks’ reserves, 39-7, a silver lining in the narrow defeat.

Postgame Press Conference

Looking Ahead

While the Wings leave Los Angeles empty-handed, they return to Arlington with a three-game homestand beginning Friday, Aug. 22, against the Seattle Storm. Tipoff at College Park Center is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, airing nationally on ION.

For Bueckers, Wednesday’s performance wasn’t just a career night — it was a signal of her rising stardom. Though Dallas’ postseason hopes are gone, the rookie continues to rewrite the record books and provide a foundation for the Wings’ future.