Paige Bueckers Scores 44 in Historic WNBA Game, But Sparks Win on Buzzer-Beater

 Kelsey Plum’s Buzzer-Beater Spoils Paige Bueckers’ Record Night as Sparks Edge Wings 81-80

WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers speaks to the media during a Dallas Wings press conference. The rising star, wearing a striped shirt, is seen smiling as she addresses reporters in front of a Wings backdrop, following a record-breaking performance.

Paige Bueckers had a history-making performance Wednesday night, but it was Kelsey Plum who delivered the final blow, banking in the game-winner at the buzzer to lift the Los Angeles Sparks past the Dallas Wings, 81-80.

Bueckers erupted for a career-high 44 points — the most in a WNBA game this season — tying a 28-year-old record set by Cynthia Cooper for the highest-scoring game by a rookie. Her offensive explosion included a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc and 6-for-6 from the line, as she carried Dallas down the stretch, scoring the team’s final 13 points.

She gave the Wings an 80-79 lead with a technical free throw with just over a minute left. But a turnover on the ensuing possession and a missed corner three by Aziaha James opened the door for Los Angeles.

With the clock winding down, Plum used a screen from Dearica Hamby to drive into the lane and floated in the game-winner with her left hand. She was immediately swarmed by teammates Rickea Jackson and Rae Burrell in celebration.

Plum finished with 20 points for the Sparks (17-18), while Jackson led the team with 25, including a career-high six 3-pointers. Hamby added 14 points, and Cameron Brink contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. The win eliminated both Dallas and the Chicago Sky from playoff contention.

Bueckers, who previously scored a career-high 35 points against Phoenix on June 11, shot an astounding 17-of-21 from the field. Her performance also marked her 29th consecutive double-digit scoring game, moving her past Cooper for third-longest rookie streak in league history. A’ja Wilson holds the record with 33.

This was the second straight nail-biter between the Wings and Sparks. In their previous meeting last Friday, Los Angeles also edged out a one-point win, 97-96, despite another strong showing from Bueckers. The teams are set to face off once more on Sept. 7 in L.A., where the Sparks have won eight of their last 11 matchups against Dallas.