Bueckers Breaks Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Record After Kyrie Irving’s Bold Prediction
Kyrie Irving saw it coming, now the rest of the WNBA is watching it unfold.
Before her WNBA debut, Paige Bueckers earned high praise from Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, who said, “I know the city is happy, I know the state is happy… and I know that the women’s game is only going to get better with you in it.” It was a bold endorsement, but Bueckers has already made good on it.
The Dallas Wings rookie has taken the league by storm, delivering on her college hype while facing the growing pains of a rebuilding franchise. Her poise, scoring ability, and leadership have turned heads league-wide, proving she belongs in the spotlight.
A Viral Highlight and a Record-Breaking Performance
Bueckers recently went viral when an X (formerly Twitter) post from a Kyrie Irving fan account described her as a “Kyrie disciple.” In the clip, she drives toward the rim with effortless precision, drawing comparisons to Irving’s smooth finishing and footwork.
But her game isn’t just flash, it’s history-making.
Against the Golden State Valkyries, Bueckers became the first rookie in WNBA history to notch 350+ points and 100+ assists in just 20 games, surpassing Caitlin Clark’s record. And in her next outing versus the New York Liberty, she added another dominant chapter: 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 92–82 win.
Read More: Paige Bueckers’ Viral Highlight Has the WNBA in Awe
Wings Dominate the Liberty Behind Bueckers and Ogunbowale
The Liberty were no easy opponent — they’re the East’s top team, but the Wings jumped to a commanding 31–19 first-quarter lead and didn’t look back. Bueckers, with her tenth 20-point game of the season, shot 58.3% from the field and 50% from three, giving Dallas a much-needed offensive spark.
Arike Ogunbowale also made headlines, becoming just the second WNBA player this season (along with Clark) to score 17 points in a single half.
Head coach Chris Koclanes beamed after the win:
“Just an energy, a defensive tenacity… when we got stops and we could run, we could play in transition. Proud of our start. We found disruption early and our flow behind was good as well.”
The Wings took a 63–36 halftime lead, stifling the Liberty’s offense early and maintaining control even as New York fought back in the third quarter.
Now at eight wins, Dallas is rising, fast. With Bueckers leading the charge, the question remains: Can the Wings keep their foot on the gas, or will growing pains return to haunt them?
One thing’s clear, Paige Bueckers isn’t just living up to Kyrie’s words. She’s rewriting the rookie script.
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