Paige Bueckers Matches Rookie Scoring Record in Close Loss

Before the game between Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, Wings coach Chris Koclanes was asked about Paige Bueckers being the rookie of the year. Koclanes expressed his belief that Bueckers deserved the title without any doubt. Bueckers scored 44 points during the game on Wednesday, but Dallas lost by one point, 81-80, due to Kelsey Plum's buzzer-beater. Bueckers tied Cynthia Cooper's rookie single-game scoring record from 1997 and surpassed Candace Parker's 40-point game in 2008.

Koclanes praised Bueckers' performance, calling her phenomenal and the best player on the court that night. Despite the one-point loss, Bueckers had a plus-12 rating in her 36 minutes of play. She dominated the game offensively, shooting 17 of 21 from the field and making all six free throws. Bueckers' performance was exceptional, with no WNBA player previously attempting over 20 field goals in a game and missing fewer than four shots.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Bueckers contributed defensively with three steals and only one turnover during the game. She also made a crucial pass to Aziaha James for Dallas' final shot, showing her unselfish play. Bueckers had already set records for the fastest rookie to reach 500 points in WNBA history and for the most assists in a season for the Wings franchise. Her remarkable achievements continue to make history in the league.

Sabreena Merchant, a Staff Writer covering women's basketball for The Athletic, previously reported on the WNBA and NBA for SB Nation. An alumna of Duke University, she contributed to The Chronicle, the university's student newspaper. Based in Los Angeles, you can follow Sabreena on Twitter @sabreenajm.