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2h ago

Bueckers Sets Rookie Scoring Record With 44 as Plum’s Buzzer-Beater Eliminates Wings

The buzzer-beater loss eliminated Dallas from playoff contention, exposing a roster thinned by injuries.

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Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) scores with no time remaining against Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) for the game-winning basket at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Kelsey Plum banked in the game-winner at the horn to lift the Sparks over the Wings 81-80 at Crypto.com Arena.
  • Paige Bueckers shot 17-for-21, including 4-for-4 from three and 6-for-6 at the line, becoming the first WNBA player to score 40-plus on 80% shooting.
  • The WNBA credited Bueckers with the single-game rookie scoring record at 44 points, and she extended her rookie double-digit streak to 29 games, third all-time.
  • The result knocked both Dallas and Chicago out of playoff contention as Los Angeles moved to 17-18 behind Rickea Jackson’s 25 points and Plum’s 20.
  • Dallas is shorthanded with Li Yueru out for the season due to a left ACL sprain, Arike Ogunbowale managing right knee tendonitis, and JJ Quinerly exiting hurt, with reports indicating a hardship signing may be needed.