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Aziaha James Joins Elite WNBA Rookies After Historic Game
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Dallas Wings rookie guard Aziaha James etched her name in WNBA history on Thursday, joining an elite group of players including Caitlin Clark after a standout performance against the Phoenix Mercury. The 22-year-old rookie tallied a career-high 28 points, along with six rebounds, six assists, and five three-pointers, leading the Wings to a 98-89 victory.
James Enters Exclusive Company
The WNBA celebrated James’ achievement on social media,noting that she became only the fifth rookie in league history to record at least 25 points,5 assists,5 rebounds,and 5 three-pointers in a single game. The other players to reach this milestone are Caitlin Clark (who has done it three times), Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi.
Did You Know? Diana Taurasi, one of the WNBA’s all-time greats, has won three WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals with Team USA [[1]].
Bueckers Shines in Return
Paige Bueckers also delivered a strong performance for the Wings, marking her return from a one-game absence due to injury. the 23-year-old scored 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding four rebounds, five assists, a steal, and two three-pointers.
Wings Improve Record
Thanks to the contributions of James and Bueckers, the Wings have now won five of their last seven games. Their current record stands at 6-13.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on rookie performances throughout the season, as they often indicate future stars and can impact team dynamics.
Game Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Pointers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aziaha James | 28 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Paige Bueckers | 23 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
What does this performance mean for Aziaha James’ future in the WNBA?
How will the Wings capitalize on this momentum moving forward?
WNBA Rookie impact: A Historical Viewpoint
The impact of rookies in the WNBA can be notable,often injecting new energy and talent into teams. Players like Caitlin clark have recently demonstrated the immediate impact a rookie can have,drawing attention and elevating the level of competition. Historically,several rookies have led their teams to championships or earned MVP awards in their first seasons,setting a high bar for newcomers.
The WNBA season typically runs from May to September, with playoffs following shortly after [[2]]. The league,which started with 8 teams,has expanded and contracted over the years,currently featuring 13 teams across the Eastern and Western Conferences [[3]].
Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Rookies
- How many teams are in the WNBA?
- The WNBA currently has 13 teams.
- How do teams qualify for the WNBA playoffs?
- The top 8 teams with the best records,regardless of conference,advance to the playoffs [[4]].
- Who are some of