Is Paige Bueckers already playing like an NBA MVP? Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston are saying her smooth, mid-range game is reminiscent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s. This WNBA rookie is taking the league by storm, but what makes her game so uniquely dominant?

Rising WNBA star Paige Bueckers is not just meeting expectations; she is shattering them, earning effusive praise that has sparked comparisons to NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Her inaugural professional season with the Dallas Wings is already legendary, highlighted by a scoring prowess and court vision that belies her rookie status. The consensus among basketball luminaries is that Bueckers possesses a unique composure and sophisticated game, positioning her as a generational talent.

Basketball legend Candace Parker recently dissected Bueckers’ artistry on the “Post Moves” podcast, lauding her “overall a smooth game.” Parker highlighted Bueckers’ patience and deliberate pace, noting her ability to execute various offensive maneuvers, from post-ups to a lethal mid-range jumper. This level of poise, according to Parker, is a rare commodity in professional basketball, especially for a newcomer, making Bueckers an exceptional player.

Adding to the chorus of acclaim, Aliyah Boston drew a direct parallel between Bueckers’ mid-range game and that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In an era increasingly dominated by three-point attempts and drives to the basket, Bueckers’ mastery of the mid-range shot stands out. This proficiency in the often-underrated “middie” is a key component of her offensive arsenal and a primary reason for the high-level basketball analysis she is receiving.

Bueckers’ sensational performance culminated in a career-high 44-point masterclass on August 20, 2025, a game that not only cemented her rookie single-game scoring record but also eclipsed a benchmark previously set by the legendary Candace Parker. This remarkable achievement underscores her immediate impact and burgeoning reputation as an elite scorer in the WNBA.

The comparison to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not merely superficial; it delves into their shared offensive philosophies. Both players demonstrate an exceptional ability to thrive in the two-point zone, albeit with distinct stylistic nuances. Bueckers, for instance, focuses on shots close to the hoop and from mid-range, with approximately 76.7% of her attempts coming from inside the arc, including an astounding 61.4% efficiency from mid-range.

Candace Parker further emphasized the enduring value of this particular scoring territory, reiterating, “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t shoot that many 3s. And he was the league MVP this year. There’s still value in that middie. And Paige Bueckers has a pretty mid-range game.” This statement serves as a powerful validation of Bueckers’ strategic approach to scoring.

Ultimately, the burgeoning career of Paige Bueckers is a testament to her unique scoring craft and profound impact on the game. Her game, characterized by composure and mid-range brilliance, is rapidly shaping up to mirror the effectiveness of an NBA MVP like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, signaling a bright future for the Dallas Wings and the entire WNBA. Her ability to consistently deliver high-efficiency offense through diverse scoring options makes her a formidable force.