Paige Bueckers made a major statement in her return for the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night. After missing four games due to injury, the rookie phenom came back with a bang, dropping a career-high 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting, along with six rebounds, four assists, a steal, a block, and five three-pointers in 37 minutes against the Phoenix Mercury.
Her performance was historic—Bueckers became only the second rookie in WNBA history to record at least 35 points and five three-pointers in a single game. The only other player to reach that mark? Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during her rookie season.
However, a post on X by Polymarket Hoops stirred controversy shortly after Bueckers’ breakout game. The post pointed out that Clark remains the only rookie in WNBA history to tally 35+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ threes in one game.
“Caitlin Clark is still the only rookie in WNBA history to have a game with:
35+ PTS
5+ AST
5+ 3PM”
Since Clark didn’t even play that night—she was attending the NBA Finals to support the Indiana Pacers—the timing of the post drew heat from fans online.
Critics saw it as an attempt to overshadow Bueckers’ achievement:
- “Someone seems threatened,” one user commented.
- “The timing oh yall are scrambling,” said another.
- “Paige got the CC media machine in shambles LMAOOOOO,” wrote one fan.
Other reactions included:
- “😂😂😂😂😂 of course after Paige drop 35”
- “paige scared yall huh 😔
- “Yall threatened? 😂”
Clearly, the media-fueled rivalry between Clark and Bueckers is still going strong, and it’s not surprising given their status as two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars.
Despite Bueckers’ standout game, the Wings continue to struggle, losing 93–80 to the Mercury—marking their sixth consecutive defeat. Dallas now sits at 1–10, and although Bueckers is off to an impressive start, the season isn’t looking promising for her team.
