The Dallas Wings may be battling through a tough season, but rookie guard Paige Bueckers is giving fans plenty of reasons to believe brighter days are ahead. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft has wasted no time proving that the hype surrounding her arrival was justified.

On Thursday night, August 21, Bueckers delivered one of the most electrifying performances in league history, dropping 44 points on an astonishing 17-of-21 shooting against the Los Angeles Sparks. In doing so, she shattered the WNBA rookie scoring record previously held by Candace Parker, who scored 40 in 2008 — coincidentally, also with the Sparks.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Bueckers’ historic night ended in heartbreak. The Wings fell 81-80 after Sparks star Kelsey Plum drained a stunning buzzer-beater with her off-hand, cementing yet another painful loss in a season full of growing pains. Dallas sits last in the Western Conference at 9-27, and 11th overall in the standings.

Still, Bueckers’ brilliance has made her the centerpiece of an exciting Rookie of the Year race with Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron. Both earned All-Star selections as first-year players, but their cases differ: Bueckers is averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals on 45.8% shooting, while Citron has been steadier and more efficient at 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 46.6% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. The Mystics’ stronger 16-19 record also bolsters Citron’s candidacy.

Regardless of awards, Bueckers has already shown she’s a franchise cornerstone and one of the league’s most dynamic new stars. With another lottery pick and the flexibility to add veteran free agents next offseason, the Wings’ future looks promising. And with Bueckers leading the charge, Dallas may not have to wait long before their growing pains turn into genuine contention.