Being the No. 1 pick in the draft comes with a lot of attention, and it’s only natural that fans are comparing Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. Both players are talented guards who came into the WNBA with big reputations and stacked résumés.
WNBA fans are well aware of Clark’s incredible abilities on the court, and on Saturday, May 10, the basketball community got a closer look at Bueckers’ skills. The Dallas Wings guard made her professional home debut in Arlington and did not disappoint. Bueckers was sensational on the night and reminded fans why she is considered one of the game’s future stars.
Paige Bueckers’ Big Night Against Toyota Antelopes Leads to Caitlin Clark Comparisons
Bueckers made an immediate impact at College Park Center. She recorded a couple of assists in the first two minutes and scored her first basket within the first five.
Overall, the Wings’ rookie finished the night with 15 points, five rebounds, six assists, and a blocked shot. Bueckers had the best plus-minus on the court (+40) and led the lineup in assists alongside her teammate, Arike Ogunbowale, who also had six.
The standout performance got many WNBA fans talking on social media, with some comparing Bueckers with Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year.
“She’s better than Caitlin Clark,” a fan commented.
“Paige Bueckers > Caitlin Clark,” another fan said.
“Paige was better than Caitlin in college and, like Angel Reese, has a championship on her mantle,” one fan commented.
“Best all-around PG in the W,” one fan said after seeing Bueckers’ incredible distribution and playmaking skills.
Many fans are already prepping for the highly anticipated matchup between Clark’s Indiana Fever and the Wings. The two teams will meet for the first time this regular season on June 27 at the American Airlines Center.
“Imagine how expensive the ticket to see Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers is going to be this season,” an X user commented.
Bueckers’ stat line was impressive, but it doesn’t tell the whole picture. The former UConn star dazzled the fans with a series of highlight-worthy plays. Towards the end of the first quarter, Bueckers connected with All-Star guard Ogunbowale with a dazzling one-handed pass that Magic Johnson himself would have been proud of.
Throughout the game, Bueckers made some smart cuts that opened up the court for her teammates, including one where she finished with a layup and was fouled. Furthermore, she showed off her range in the third quarter by drilling a 23-foot 3-pointer.
The Wings closed out their preseason with a dominant 119-52 win over the Toyota Antelopes. They will play their opening regular-season game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.