As the final seconds wound down in a recent matchup, Golden State Valkyries defenders Veronica Burton and Kaila Charles closed in on Paige Bueckers, smothering her on the perimeter and preventing her from even attempting a shot. The clock expired with the ball still in her hands. Such defensive focus has become routine for Bueckers in her rookie WNBA campaign, especially with Dallas’ roster depleted by injuries eight of the original 12 players have each missed at least seven games leaving her to carry more of the scoring load. Opponents have learned that single coverage won’t work, and Bueckers has demanded star-level attention.
“She plays at her own pace, never rushed, and always adapts to what defenses throw at her,” Wings coach Chris Koclanes said. “That’s rare for a rookie in this league.”
Golden State’s late-game clampdown wasn’t about the outcome, the Valkyries were already up nine but rather about keeping Bueckers from extending her streak of double-digit scoring games. With Dallas long out of playoff contention, those small milestones have become her battleground. Even so, Bueckers has shined through constant lineup changes, putting together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in league history. She has led all rookies in scoring every month of 2025, averaging 18.9 points — seventh-best all-time for first-year players. A strong finish could move her past teammate Arike Ogunbowale’s 19.1 mark from her own rookie season.
Efficiency has been her hallmark since her UConn days. Among rookies averaging at least 17 points, her 46.7% shooting ranks sixth. Only Chennedy Carter and Cynthia Cooper-Dyke — both in unique contexts shot better as guards. Beyond scoring, Bueckers’ playmaking stands out too: she’s on track to join just 12 rookies ever to average five assists per game, and only the second alongside Caitlin Clark to also top 15 points.
Clark set the gold standard last season with historic numbers, and her stat line remains the closest comparison. While legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi were rookie All-Stars, neither combined volume scoring and creation quite like Clark and Bueckers. Each benefits from today’s more offense-friendly era, but their production still rises above the league’s norms.
Both recent No. 1 picks have authored historic moments. Bueckers tied the rookie scoring record with 44 points against the Sparks despite a patchwork lineup. Clark set the single-game assists record with 19. But Clark holds the edge in overall production: 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game compared to Bueckers’ 18.9, 3.7, and 5.3. Turnovers are the exception, where Bueckers’ 2.1 per game are cleaner than Clark’s 2.8. Shooting splits tell a similar story: Bueckers is more accurate overall, but Clark’s heavy three-point volume pushes her effective field-goal percentage higher (52.2% to 50.4%).
Context matters, too. Clark benefitted from pairing with All-Star center Aliyah Boston, who accounted for more than 100 of her assists. Dallas lacked that kind of frontcourt anchor. Statistically, Clark’s Fever posted a better net rating, but Dallas has been far stronger with Bueckers on the floor, outscoring opponents by 8.1 points per 100 possessions in those minutes. Win shares also tilt in her favor.
Still, the difference in circumstance is clear: Clark’s rookie year carried playoff stakes, while Bueckers’ has unfolded in a lost season for Dallas. That’s her next step translating her brilliance to meaningful games. Clark’s rookie finale ended with her taking a playoff-deciding shot. Unless the Wings elevate, Bueckers risks having a historic debut remembered only in numbers, not in moments.
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