When Maddy Siegrist said, “just unreal,” talking about Paige Bueckers’ game, thousands nodded. And the rookie hasn’t disappointed. Playing the Sparks, Bueckers exploded for a 44-point performance. Though the game ended in an 81-80 loss, it stung less knowing the Wings boasted a player who now held the record for most points in a game this season and by any rookie in league history. A record for ages was etched and NBA folks dropped in to commemorate.

In attendance tonight were Jalen Gareen, his girlfriend, Draya Michele, and Houston Rockets’ star Jabari Smith Jr. Congratulations had poured in right after the game as Bueckers went around greeting the celebrity row. But it wasn’t ending there. Ja Morant sent his admiration on X in just two words: “paige hoopin.”

Chet Holmgren was another attendee at the Wings vs Sparks game. He was captured sitting courtside, wearing his NBA champion’s hat. The Oklahoma City Thunder star got up from his seat after Buckers made 31 of her points in 3 quarters. Bueckers connected with him, too, after the game, and the two stars shared a warm embrace.

The NBA player and the WNBA rookie are two people who go way back. They both hail from Minnesota and have been well acquainted with each other since the 3rd grade. Both of them have shown mutual admiration with Bueckers, even calling Holmgren a ‘unicorn’ during an interview. After Holmgren was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 WNBA draft, Bueckers praised him in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews by stating that “He’s a unicorn. He does everything. … We played one-on-one against each other, and he’s impossible to score against.” Therefore, when celebrating one of the most important milestones of her early WNBA career, it was nice for Bueckers to have another familiar face around.

According to Statmuse, Paige Bueckers recorded her impressive total with efficiency, as she shot 17-21 (81.0%) field goals, 4-4 (100.0%) 3-pointers, and 6-6 (100.0%) free throws. Thanks to this, the rookie is also now the first player in the league’s history with 40-plus points on 80%-plus field goal shooting. Bueckers was responsible for making Dallas’ final 13 points. The last of it came through a technical free throw with 1:03 remaining for an 80-79 lead.

The night would have solely belonged to Paige Bueckers, and the Dallas Wings, had Kelsey Plum not had the last laugh with her game-winning buzzer beater. One close loss is acceptable when you tie Cynthia Cooper’s 28-year-old record for the most points in a game by a first-year player. However, despite the feat, Paige Bueckers and her girlfriend’s dad weren’t willing to let the loss go by so easily.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s Father Highlights Need To Win Over 44-Point Record

In the aftermath of the Wings-Sparks game, Paige Bueckers spoke to reporters. More than her individual feat, she laid emphasis on the Wings’ loss by stating that “I’ve always prided myself and the team on winning so that’s obviously the main goal”.

Instead of giving herself credit, Bueckers gave praise to her teammates by stating, “Honestly, I think I’m just most proud of this team, like, the way we fight… This team just means so much to me. The way we love each other, like, it could be easy for us to sit here and be nine in whatever we are and be miserable and hate coming to work but just how we show up for each other, we’re learning and growing together… As much as success and the wins haven’t translated yet, what we’re building here, it just makes me so happy. I’m just super grateful for it. For me… just being super proud of every single one of my teammates is the most thing I’ll take away from this, truly.”

Before the rookie could give her remarks, Azzi Fudd’s father, Tim Fudd, had put out his true thoughts on the recent WNBA game. Azzi Fudd had been Paige Bueckers’ longtime UConn teammate, and only recently, the duo was confirmed to be in a relationship. Through his tweet, Tim Fudd defended Bueckers while criticizing her team by stating, “Sparks/Wings….here’s the most obvious take…Wings need to find some offense other than PB5. Very hard to take her off the floor. Paige’s middy is automatic and from every crazy angle! IMO, the Sparks have nice pieces. Should be more consistent at this point in the season”.

With a 9-27 win record, it’s safe to say the Dallas Wings won’t make it to the WNBA Finals this year. Paige Bueckers’ 44 points are an indication that the team has a star player, but still needs a good supporting cast. Whether they get it in the coming season is something that remains to be seen.