Paige Bueckers’ rise in the WNBA continues to be one of the league’s most compelling stories. The Dallas Wings rookie delivered yet another standout performance on Thursday night, adding another record to her growing resume as the Wings outpaced the Phoenix Mercury.
Paige Bueckers Hits 250 Career Points in Record Time
Bueckers became the fastest WNBA player to reach 250 career points since Seimone Augustus, accomplishing the milestone in just her 13th professional game. She finished with 23 points and five assists on 8-of-11 shooting as the Wings defeated the Mercury 98-89. Her feat surpassed Caitlin Clark’s mark of 250 points in 16 games.
Paige Bueckers is the fastest guard to reach 250 career points since 2006. pic.twitter.com/WwbUUyQdiK
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) July 4, 2025
The game also marked a significant moment for the Wings, who started four rookies: Bueckers, Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, and Jacy Sheldon. The team was the first to do so since the 2000 Minnesota Lynx. James erupted for 28 points, starting 7-of-7 from the field, while Quinerly chipped in with 17 points and seven assists.
Bueckers, already the WNBA Rookie of the Month for June and a newly minted All-Star Starter, has now broken Clark’s record for most All-Star fan votes received by a rookie, further underlining her growing star power.
The victory moves Dallas to 6-13 after a rough 1-11 start, and they have now won five of their last seven games. Their next matchup is a rematch against the Phoenix Mercury, scheduled for July 7.
Bueckers’ Return Sparks Confidence Despite Injury Concerns
Bueckers returned to the court Thursday after sitting out the Wings’ June 28 game against Washington due to patellar tendinitis in her right knee. The injury isn’t new; it’s something she says she’s managed since high school.
“There’s no day where it probably doesn’t hurt,” Bueckers said. “But to be on the second night of a back-to-back where I just played 38 minutes, it usually never feels great the day after the game. We usually either have an off day or a light practice day to where I can recover. Assuming I would either have to play a lot of minutes or be managed, we thought it was the smart thing to do to rest and recover.”
Paige Bueckers missed the second game of the Wings’ back to back last weekend. She said she’s struggled with patellar tendinitis since high school and often manages the pain.
“It usually never feels great the day after a game,” she said. pic.twitter.com/QHylfJipEL
— Myah Taylor (@t_myah) July 2, 2025
Her history of knee injuries includes a torn left ACL in college, though Wings head coach Chris Koclanes assured reporters that her recent absence was precautionary.
Read More: Wings Star Paige Bueckers Makes Emotional Confession About Major Injury Struggle Since High School
With five days off before Thursday’s game, Bueckers looked sharp and in control. As she continues to balance injury management with an explosive rookie campaign, the league is witnessing one of the most exciting first-year runs in recent memory. Her All-Star nod and historic pace only add to the growing legend.
