In the Valkyries-Wings game, Paige Bueckers was swarmed by multiple defenders the moment she touched the ball. The reason? Her 44-point stint against the LA Sparks. This explosive debut has put her in direct competition with Caitlin Clark’s 2024 rookie run. Thanks to this similarity, she is facing the same level of respect during the games. However, the WNBA community is split into two.

Some call CC the best, while some pick PB as the better one. The flames of this debate recently reached Christine Brennan, the author of a book based on Clark. A netizen wanted to know her take following the incredible rookie showing by Bueckers. While both players have areas where they shine the most, the author of Clark’s book still sticks loyally by her side. And she brought in stats to give weight to her theory.

In an X post, the author of On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, highlighted how Clark’s rookie production still outpaces that of Bueckers. Brennan noted that Clark’s numbers as a first-year pro were significantly stronger across key categories. Clark finished with 769 points, 337 assists, 227 rebounds, and 122 three-pointers, while Bueckers posted 590 points, 162 assists, 122 rebounds, and 37 three-pointers.

While these stats display the on-court disparity between the two, Brennan also pointed out an off-court disparity. It is no new news that the WNBA attendance is at an all-time high. The surge that started in 2024 continues on in 2025, with the league recently surpassing the 2.5 million mark. And the author believes it is Clark pulling in more audience than Bueckers.

“Perhaps the most interesting statistic of all: We know CC draws record crowds in Indy (17K+) and games are moved to big arenas only for her in 2024 and 2025. Paige Bueckers cannot sell out a 7,000-seat arena in Dallas. In this way, CC and PB are in different solar systems,” she declared. Last year, the Indiana Fever had the biggest league attendance in the league, surpassing the number 2 spot holders New York Liberty, by over 200K.

They still remain in that spot this year, despite Caitlin Clark not playing the majority of the season. On the other hand, Dallas has a 148k home attendance as compared to Indiana’s 316K. While Brennan believes CC is ranking higher than PB, the WNBA opponents of the two are now treating them the same way.

Paige Bueckers is getting the same Caitlin Clark experience in the WNBA

Following her 44-point performance against the LA Sparks, Paige Bueckers has not looked the same. She scored 11 points with zero assists against Seattle. In the Golden State matchup, she managed only nine points, ending her long streak of double-digit scoring games. The drop is striking. A player who consistently produced 20-plus points per game now struggles to reach 10. The reason is clear: she has started to receive the same defensive treatment Caitlin Clark faces in the WNBA.

“But since that [Sparks’ game] happened, it feels as if WNBA defenses have taken guarding her a little bit more personally. Last year, we saw Caitlin Clark guarded kind of personally,” analyst Robin Lundberg said. He explained that Clark drew intense coverage from the start because of her hype and popularity. Opponents were eager to prove they could shut her down. Bueckers, on the other hand, initially experienced a very different reception.

“With Paige, she’s been very welcomed in the WNBA. I feel she has made her presence felt in the league, but since that 44-point game, it does feel like opposing teams have taken guarding her a little bit more personally. In the sense of wanting to send extra personnel in her direction, wanting to shut her down, wanting to send a message,” Lundberg said.

Nneka Ogwumike confirmed this shift, noting that all five Seattle players keyed in on Bueckers. Furthermore, at times, four Golden State defenders swarmed her. As opponents continue to pile pressure on the Wings’ rookie, her ability to adapt will define the trajectory of her WNBA career.