
via Imago
Credits: Imagn

via Imago
Credits: Imagn
Every time the Dallas Wings suit up, Paige Bueckers’ Rookie of the Year debate takes steam. To make things merrier, last night they defeated the Indiana Fever today in an 80-81 showdown with Bueckers taking 16 points. Safe to say, after decades of development, the WNBA is reaping its fruits. So naturally, after the 2024 blockbuster Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese debate on MVP, the focus has come down to Paige Bueckers. And undoubtedly, she is already the silent Rookie of the Year. But wait, Candace Parker thinks otherwise.
With the playoffs nearing and the Dallas Wings sliding out of the competition, the biggest debate over Bueckers’ ROTY title is in question. Because she isn’t the only one ruling the court. Besides the Dallas star, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen also walked through the draft gates and into the league, taking the games a notch higher. From becoming the centerpieces of their respective teams to carving a spot in the 2025 All-Star games, these rookies have cooked up a storm this season! So when Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker sat together, it raised the competition bar.
On the latest episode of the Post Moves podcast, Candace Parker did not hold back. “Obviously Paige is just so calm, cool, and collected. I think the only unfavorable kind of check on Paige’s side is that she has missed seven games,” Parker said. Makes sense. While her numbers reflect a different story, what has become an issue for the star rookie is injury. Reminder: Clark did not miss even one game during her freshman season. So, when the number of games she has missed this season is considered, it fuels a thought about whether she’s eligible.
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Technically, yes. Because “there are no such rules in the WNBA of an amount of games that you have to play to be eligible for, you know, postseason awards like there are in the NBA.” Despite applauding Bueckers’ poise in the paint, the WNBA legend was highly skeptical of the Wings’ guard clinching the $5,150 bonus and the 2025 ROTY title. She gave a brutal reality check, showcasing how Sonia Citron boasts better and impressive on-court statistics than Paige Bueckers, thereby making her a fair contender for the title instead.
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Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) dribbles upcourt ahead of Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
“Head-to-head their stats are: 22.5 points for Sonia, 18.5 for Paige; 8 rebounds- Sonia, 6 for Paige; 4 assists for Sonia, 5 assists for Paige. Obviously, that’s just head-to-head,” Parker compared. Yes, Head-to-Head Citron leads, but the tables turn when the overall picture comes into place. Bueckers’ statline of 18.4/4.1/5.4 against Citron’s 14.8/4.5/2.4 forced Parker to say, “Paige still leads rookies in every pretty much major category and remains the favorite for Rookie of the Year. But could Sonia in August make things a little bit interesting?” Boston’s response made it clearer.
“It’s going to be great. It’s going to be great, and those everyone that has to vote is going to have a fun job doing (it),” Aliyah said. While Bueckers is a deserving candidate, Sonia also has a chance of being Clark’s successor to the title. If the Mystics’ rookie continues with her consistent performances this month, she can surpass Bueckers. However, Parker agreed that Bueckers has a clear edge over her counterparts, thanks to her massive contributions last month. The Wings guard became the first player in WNBA history to cross 350+ points and 100+ assists in just 20 games of her career.
While her 35-point comeback after a concussion protocol and illness swept fans off their feet, Bueckers has continued to grow and showcase her improved offense in the paint. The versatile guard even stepped up in leadership roles whenever the team needed, and has led the Dallas Wings through the whirlwind so far, even if the table says a different story (9-24).
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Paige Bueckers & Co. successfully snatch a victory from the Indiana Fever
When the Indiana Fever welcomed the last-seeded team of the Western Conference division to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they were extremely confident of taking this win too. After all, the franchise had been leading 3-0 regular series so far. However, the latest matchup was enough to crush the Fever’s spirits for good.
Surprisingly, the rebuilding roster put up a tough front against their opponents. The Wings established their dominance in the first quarter without their leader, Arike Ogunbowale, and scored 23-15. And this score provided them with a much-needed edge over Fever, as they struggled in the second and fourth quarters.
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And while Fever decided to settle scores by pushing harder in the final quarter and clinching 25-14 against the Wings, the score was not enough. In a shocking outcome, the Indiana Fever were one point short of Dallas. Yes, the Dallas Wings took the final win with 81-80 against the Indiana Fever.
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As Fever navigates towards the playoffs with a stat score of 18-15, can they carve a space without Caitlin Clark? With Odyssey Sims and Chloe Bibby providing the team that lacks point guard depth, is it enough for the Fever? Or do other players need to step up and propel the team towards their aspirational win? That remains to be seen, besides who wins the Rookie of the Year debate.
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