Who scored a career-high 44 points in the WNBA game?

Paige Bueckers, the rookie for the Dallas Wings, scored a career-high 44 points in the game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Which team won the close game between the Sparks and Wings?

The Los Angeles Sparks won the game 81-80 against the Dallas Wings, with Kelsey Plum banking in the winning shot just before the final buzzer.

What was the impact of the Sparks' victory on the playoff race?

The Sparks' victory eliminated the Dallas Wings and the Chicago Sky from playoff contention in the WNBA.

Home / Sports / Rookie Bueckers Scores 44, But Sparks Snatch Last-Second Victory

Rookie Bueckers Scores 44, But Sparks Snatch Last-Second Victory

21 Aug

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Summary

Rookie Paige Bueckers scores career-high 44 points for Dallas Wings
Kelsey Plum banks in winning shot for Los Angeles Sparks at buzzer
Sparks' victory eliminates Wings and Chicago Sky from playoff contention

Rookie Bueckers Scores 44, But Sparks Snatch Last-Second Victory

On August 17th, 2025, the Los Angeles Sparks faced off against the Dallas Wings in a nail-biting WNBA game. The spotlight was on rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, who delivered a career-best performance, scoring 44 points for the Wings. Bueckers' impressive display tied a 28-year-old record for most points scored by a first-year player in a single game.

Despite Bueckers' heroics, the Sparks managed to secure a narrow 81-80 victory in the final seconds. Kelsey Plum banked in the winning shot just before the buzzer, spoiling Bueckers' historic night. The Sparks' victory also eliminated the Wings and the Chicago Sky from playoff contention.

Plum finished with 20 points for the Sparks, while Rickea Jackson added 25 points and a career-high six 3-pointers. Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink also contributed to the Sparks' win, with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

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