Why Paige Bueckers Deserves to Win Rookie of the Year

Zena and Sabreena discuss the highlights from this past weekend in the WNBA – from the Aces extending their winning streak to the Storm increasing their playoff probability. And, in light of Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh’s ejection from the Sky-Sun game on Saturday, they debate the difference between the W’s infamous “physicality” and outright fouls. Then, Zena and Sabreena take a deep dive into the Rookie of the Year conversation – celebrating an incredible year for new players in the W – but settling on the only rookie who ultimately deserves the title: Paige Bueckers. How does she stack up against last year’s Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark? And what does the future look like for Paige and the Wings? Finally, Zena challenges Sabreena to a game of Two Takes and a Fake. REFERENCES: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6573492/2025/08/25/wnba-power-rankings-aces-standings/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6573534/2025/08/25/indiana-fever-caitlin-clark-wnba-playoff-contention/ 00:00 Intro 00:34 - Napheesa Collier returns to the court 00:55 - Saturday’s Physical Sky-Sun Game + Tyler Marsh’s Crashout 04:54 - The Sabreena Scale: Aces on Hot Streak 10:44 - The Playoff Race is On 15:23 - Caitlin Clark Update? 17:56 - Who Will be Rookie of the Year? 19:57 - Paige Bueckers Following in Clark + Reese Footsteps 23:27 - A Strong Year for Rookies in the W 28:26 - Paige Bueckers’ 44-Point Game 32:47 - Paige’s Rookie Year So Far 35:10 - Paige vs Caitlin: Rookie Years 41:28 - Dallas’ Losing Record: How does it impact Paige? 46:10 - Two Takes and a Fake #wnba #rookieoftheyear #caitlinclark Thumbnail: Michael Gonzales, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com. You can also find us on socials: -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS