Paige Bueckers’ debut WNBA season continues to add to an already historic résumé, and it’s cementing her as the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year.
In Sunday’s 91–78 loss to the Washington Mystics, the Dallas Wings guard became the fastest rookie in league history to reach 450+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 100+ assists, doing so in just her 25th career game. It’s the latest milestone in a season defined by both record-setting production and relentless consistency.
Bueckers also extended her streak of double-digit scoring games to 25, the longest active run in the league. She has yet to score fewer than 10 points in any contest, a level of reliability unmatched by any player this season.
Back From Injury, Paige Bueckers Gets Right Back to Producing
After missing Friday’s game against the Liberty due to a back injury, Bueckers returned to log 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting (2-of-4 from three, 5-of-5 from the line) with three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 32 minutes against Washington. She has now scored at least 17 points in six straight games.
In August, she’s averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field over three contests.
She’s averaging 18.5 points, 40 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.8 assists on the season. She leads all rookies in points, assists, and steals per game and ranks among the WNBA’s top 10 in each category overall.
Paige Bueckers having a historical run in her rookie season pic.twitter.com/mInSq40lc0
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) July 31, 2025
Closest Competition Still Chasing
Washington’s rookie duo remains Bueckers’ biggest threat in the Rookie of the Year race, and both made strong statements on Sunday.
Sonia Citron poured in 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting (1-of-2 from deep, 3-of-4 FT) with five rebounds, six assists, and a steal in 32 minutes. She’s caught fire over the past six games, averaging 19.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.3 threes per game while shooting 72.7 percent from the field in her last two outings.
Solid night for rookie Sonia Citron 🌟
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 9, 2025
26 PTS | 4 AST | 4 3PM vs. the Lynx.#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/vRA7vZmr8k
Despite her recent surge, Citron has averaged 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals on the season. There is a clear gap in production from Bueckers, but Citron is the closest challenger.
Kiki Iriafen added 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 10 rebounds and an assist in 23 minutes, overcoming an early injury scare to post her latest double-double. In four August games, she’s averaging 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals. Overall, she’s provided the Mystics with 12.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season.
Despite their production, neither Citron nor Iriafen has matched Bueckers’ season-long dominance or her ability to lead her team’s offense night after night.
Paige Bueckers is Achieving a Historic Rookie Campaign
Bueckers’ impact has been magnified by the Wings’ struggles, with Dallas near the bottom of the standings. She’s been the most consistent bright spot, leading high-pressure possessions and setting the tone offensively. Her combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions has put her in rare rookie company, joining a short list of first-year players to be named an All-Star Game starter and earn multiple Rookie of the Month honors.
With more than a month remaining in the regular season, Bueckers is on pace to not only secure Rookie of the Year but also complete one of the most statistically dominant first seasons in league history.
Barring an unforeseen late-season surge from a rival or an injury setback, this year’s award appears firmly in her grasp, and the numbers suggest she’s just getting started.
