PAIGE GETS PAID: Bueckers Drops 37, Hits the ATM for $50k!
Unrivaled League | Breeze BC vs. Mist BC
MIAMI — Monday night wasn't just a basketball game for Paige Bueckers. It was a hostile takeover.
The Breeze BC guard and WNBA reigning Rookie of the Year treated Mist BC less like an opponent and more like a traffic cone on her way to the bank. Bueckers exploded for 37 points, shooting an absurd 14-of-19 from the field and 5-of-8 from deep.
She capped off the 83-64 victory (snapping a two-game skid for the Breeze) with an off-balance, pull-up jumper to hit the target score. Essentially, she called "Game," turned off the lights, and walked out with the bag.
Literally.
The $50,000 Free Throw
While the 37 points were nice for the highlight reel, Bueckers' most profitable work was done at the charity stripe.
By staying perfect from the line (13-for-13 on the season), Bueckers clinched the Unrivaled Inaugural Free Throw Challenge and the cool $50,000 prize that comes with it.
The rules were simple: Have the highest free-throw percentage through the first five games (minimum 6 attempts). While Phantom BC’s Tiffany Hayes was also perfect (6-for-6), Bueckers won on volume. She basically turned a boring fundamental drill into a mid-sized sedan.
"No Pocket Watching"
When asked how she plans to spend the bonus cash, Bueckers—who is currently averaging a casual 23.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game—decided to keep her financial portfolio private.
"I got some good plans, but no pocket watching over here," she said with a grin. "I’m gonna take care of it."
So, to recap Paige’s Monday:
Dropped 37 points on 73% shooting.
Ended a losing streak.
Made $50,000 for standing still and shooting a ball 15 feet.
told us to mind our business.
Just another day at the office for the face of women's basketball.
