WNBA Legend Rebecca Lobo Makes Her Opinion of Paige Bueckers Extremely Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Since being drafted No. 1 overall, Paige Bueckers has delivered one of the most impressive rookie seasons in WNBA history. The Dallas Wings guard is averaging 19.7 points, 5.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 29 games, leading all rookies and ranking fifth in league scoring. She has also recorded 29 straight double-digit scoring games, the third-longest streak ever for a first-year player.

On Wednesday, Bueckers posted a career-high 44 points against the Los Angeles Sparks, shooting 17-of-21 from the field. With her impressive performance setting many league records, many are starting to view her as the runaway winner of the Rookie of the Year award.

Rebecca Lobo Backs Paige Bueckers After Record Night

Bueckers’ 44-point game against Los Angeles was historic on several levels. She tied Cynthia Cooper's 1997 mark for most points in a rookie season game, recorded the league’s first-ever 40-point performance on 80 percent shooting, and delivered the highest single-game scoring total by any player this year. Despite the Dallas Wings falling 81-80 to the Sparks, the night cemented her status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Her dominance drew immediate reaction from Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo.

“Paige just put an exclamation mark on Rookie of the Year," she proclaimed.

Paige just put an exclamation mark on Rookie of the Year. https://t.co/LHejHpmuUa
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) August 21, 2025

Lobo’s remark reinforced a growing sentiment across the league that the award is no longer up for debate. While Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron had been mounting a strong challenge with steady play, Bueckers’ breakout performance shifted momentum heavily in her favor.

Beyond Wednesday’s milestone, Bueckers has delivered multiple 30-point games and continues to set new standards for efficiency. She has quickly separated herself as a generational rookie talent, balancing heavy scoring nights with playmaking. For Dallas, her impact has already extended beyond individual numbers, as she’s become the clear foundation piece for the franchise’s rebuild.

Dallas Wings Miss Playoffs Despite Historic Paige Bueckers Game

Despite Bueckers’ record-setting performance, Dallas’ 81-80 loss to Los Angeles sealed their playoff fate. The defeat marked their 27th of the season, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. Dallas, with a 9-27 record this season, have the third worst record in the WNBA, but will head into next season optimism rooted in its rookie star.

Ahead of 2026, the franchise's priority will be building around Bueckers, pairing her offensive brilliance with a stronger supporting cast. While this season ended short of playoff hopes, her historic rookie campaign sets a clear direction for Dallas’ future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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