Paige Bueckers, the UConn phenom and the WNBA’s latest sensation, delivered a performance that will be etched in league history during her debut against the Seattle Storm.

The 22-year-old guard, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2025 draft, put on a clinic, scoring 32 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds in a dominant 98-85 victory.

Her stat line not only propelled the Sparks to an early-season win but also matched an insane WNBA record, tying her with legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi for the most impressive rookie debut in terms of points and assists.

Bueckers’ game was a masterclass in versatility and poise. She shot an efficient 12-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, demonstrating the scoring prowess that made her a household name at UConn.

Her ability to facilitate the offense was equally impressive, as she found open teammates for easy baskets and controlled the tempo with her elite court vision. Defensively, she contributed three steals and two blocks, showing that her impact extended far beyond scoring.

The Storm, featuring veterans like Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike, were unable to contain Bueckers’ all-around dominance. Loyd, who led the Storm with 24 points, admitted postgame that Bueckers’ speed and decision-making were overwhelming. “She’s got that killer instinct,” Loyd said. “We tried to throw everything at her, but she was on another level tonight.”

Bueckers’ achievement places her in rare company. In 2002, Sue Bird recorded 18 points and 11 assists in her debut, setting the stage for a Hall of Fame career. Diana Taurasi, in 2004, had multiple high-assist games early on, but Bueckers’ immediate impact is being hailed as one of the best rookie debuts in WNBA history.

She became the first rookie to hit the 30-point, 10-assist mark in a single game, a feat that underscores her potential to redefine the league.

The Sparks, who have struggled in recent years, needed a breakout performance, and Bueckers delivered. Her leadership was evident from the opening tip, where she hit a deep three-pointer to set the tone.

She orchestrated the offense, drawing defenders and creating opportunities for teammates like Dearica Hamby, who added 18 points and 10 rebounds. The team’s chemistry, fueled by Bueckers’ playmaking, was on full display, turning what could have been a close game into a convincing win.

The game was played in front of a packed crowd at Crypto.com Arena, where fans were eager to see if Bueckers could live up to the hype. She did not disappoint, with social media exploding with highlights of her step-back jumpers, no-look passes, and defensive plays. Hashtags like #BueckersEra and #PaigeTime trended globally, with celebrities and athletes praising her performance.

Sparks head coach Curt Miller was effusive in his praise. “Paige has the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to be one of the greats,” Miller said. “Tonight was just a glimpse of what she’s capable of, and I’m excited to see her build on this.”

Bueckers’ journey to this moment has been one of resilience. At UConn, she overcame injuries to lead the Huskies to a national championship in 2024, earning National Player of the Year honors and setting numerous records. Her transition to the WNBA was highly anticipated, especially after Caitlin Clark’s dominant rookie season raised the bar for incoming talent.

Clark, sidelined by her own injury, sent a message of support via social media: “Welcome to the league, Paige. You owned that stage tonight. Let’s keep pushing this game forward.”

The Storm’s inability to stop Bueckers highlighted the challenges of defending against a player with her skill set. Ogwumike, who contributed 16 points, noted Bueckers’ maturity. “She’s not just a scorer—she’s a complete player,” Ogwumike said. “We have to adjust quickly because she’s going to be a problem for everyone.”

Bueckers reflected on the game in her postgame interview, saying, “This was a dream come true. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I’m just grateful to share it with my teammates and the fans. But I know this is just the beginning.”

Her teammates echoed that sentiment. Hamby said, “Paige made us all better tonight. She’s got that magic, and it’s contagious.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Bueckers’ debut in a statement: “Paige’s performance is a testament to the incredible talent in our league. We’re excited to see her continue to grow and contribute to the WNBA’s momentum.”

Analysts are already drawing comparisons to past greats. ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo noted, “Paige has the complete package—scoring, passing, defense, and leadership. She’s going to be a problem for defenses for years to come.”

As the season progresses, Bueckers’ debut will be remembered as a turning point. The WNBA is witnessing a new era of competition, and with players like Bueckers leading the charge, the league’s future looks brighter than ever.

This game was more than just a win—it was a statement. Paige Bueckers is here, and she’s ready to dominate.