Aug 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates in the second half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ja Morant's Two-Word Reaction to Paige Bueckers' Historic Game on Wednesday

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 9:49 AM ET

The WNBA has seen an incredible boost over the past few years, largely in part due to the two most recent first-overall picks. Last year, the Indiana Fever drafted Caitlin Clark, who has instantly become the most popular player in league history, and this year, the Dallas Wings lucked out by landing Paige Bueckers.

While Clark's popularity and impact on the game of women's basketball are unmatched, Bueckers may have a step on her when it comes to on-court impact.

On Wednesday night, Bueckers' elite game was on full display, as she already looks like one of the premier offensive talents in the league as a rookie.

Paige Bueckers dominates vs Sparks

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In an 81-80 road loss against the LA Sparks, Bueckers put on a clinic. In 36 minutes, the 23-year-old guard dropped 44 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on 17-21 shooting from the field, 4-4 from beyond the arc, and 6-6 from the charity stripe.

Bueckers' performance on Wednesday was not only dominant, but it was historic. Her 44 points were the most points by a rookie in WNBA history, and she became the first player in league history to drop 40+ points on 80% shooting or better.

Paige Bueckers with a night FOR THE AGES

▪️ Most points by a rookie in WNBA history
▪️ First player in league history with 40+ on 80%+ FG
▪️ Highest scoring game this year

FINAL STATS VS. LA: 44 PTS, 17-21 FGM (81%), 4 REB#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/SJyc1t5rM8
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 21, 2025

Bueckers' 44 points are obviously a career-high, but it is also the most points any WNBA player has scored this season. As a rookie, Bueckers is shaping up to be the best guard scorer in the league.

Ja Morant reacts

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, along with many people, was amazed by Bueckers' performance on Wednesday night. Morant shared a two-word post on X (formerly Twitter) to show love for Bueckers.

Via Ja Morant: "paige hoopin"

paige hoopin
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) August 21, 2025

Bueckers had an incredible game on Wednesday night, but the All-Star guard has been "hoopin" all season long. Through the first 29 games of her WNBA career, Bueckers is averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with 47.4/33.7/88.6 shooting splits. Of course, Wednesday night was historic, but she is one of the most impactful WNBA rookies in recent memory.

It is a shame that Bueckers' historic performance ended in a loss, but at just 9-27 on the season, the franchise is on track to land another top pick next year to build around the star rookie.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: