Paige explodes for 44! And sets a record.

[DEpup]

At times it seemed like it was almost 5 on 1 and Dallas still almost won the game on the back of Paige. That was vintage DT 2003/2004 stuff when she was carrying the load.

 

[TheGOAT23]

This game should end all ROY debate on the Bench for Citron.

All Quiet on the “Mid” Western Front. LOL

 

[Basingstoke]

Too bad most of us couldn't watch it on TV - I was getting ESPN updates on my phone as she was scoring more points. In reviewing the Gamecast, it seems that Paige didn't have a shot in the last 2:50 of the game (other than the technical free throw). For those watching, what happened? Why couldn't Dallas get her the ball (besides that last second pass mentioned here)? Geiselsoder, Berger and James each had a missed shot in that time frame. Tough loss, great game.

You might check and see if the WNBA app has an end-of-season special available to view the final games.
I bought a subscription at the beginning of the season for about $40, and I must say that it's been a tremendous bargain.

 

[oldude]

I have wondered all season how Paige is coping with playing so hard performing so well and losing losing, losing. Yes she is one of the best team players, but it has to hurt. I hope Dallas gets another #1 and works like hell to rework the team for next year.

You wouldn’t know it by Paige’s comments following tough loss after tough loss. She remains positive about her team and teammates, talking about how much she loves playing with them. Paige is a smart young lady. She knows that the team needs help. The best way to insure that some talented veterans check out the Wings during the off-season is to keep doing what she’s doing and stay positive.

 

[EricSD]

How about: Most Valuable Player

one or two more like this and she'll surely be in contention
(even if 3rd or 4th choice).

I'm just scrolling thru the thread now so maybe others have replied...

Even if she scored 40+ every game the rest of the season and ended up 1st in scoring average, playing for one of the worst teams in the league would leave her out of the conversation of MVP IMHO.

It's not MOP, it's MVP. It's often been argued on here - as much as I think Pheesa should win, you can argue that her team is rolling without her so is she really MVP? Meanwhile, Vegas has gone from outside the playoffs to tied for 4th, just a half game out of 2nd, and the best team recently not named Minnesota.

Much as I hate to say it, Wilson would get my vote for MVP if the season ended today.

Getting back to Paige - she may not be MVP, but I think she is making a legit argument for 1st team WNBA.

 

[oldude]

Too bad most of us couldn't watch it on TV - I was getting ESPN updates on my phone as she was scoring more points. In reviewing the Gamecast, it seems that Paige didn't have a shot in the last 2:50 of the game (other than the technical free throw). For those watching, what happened? Why couldn't Dallas get her the ball (besides that last second pass mentioned here)? Geiselsoder, Berger and James each had a missed shot in that time frame. Tough loss, great game.

Paige scored the last 13 pts for Dallas. Unfortunately, her teammates imploded. Quinerly dribbled into trouble and turned it over. Hines-Allen pulled down a big defensive rebound and then, with Paige standing right next to her, inexplicably tried to play hero ball, driving the length of the court for what she hoped would be a layup, only to dribble the ball off her leg and out of bounds.

As others have mentioned, on the Wings last offensive position, up by 1, Paige was doubled, dropped a perfect dime on James, who was all alone for a corner 3. Unfortunately, she clanked it. Add in several defensive breakdowns by the Wings and they let a game get away that they were absolutely in position to win.

In retrospect, on that last possession, Paige should have tried to split the double team, which she had done several times last night, and then put up some awkward, off-balance, running one hander, rather than assuming that a teammate might make a wide open shot……

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

Paige has 570 points over 29 games (out of 36 played by the Wings), avg. 19.7ppg. If she can average at least 24.9 ppg over the last eight games then she can set the new rookie record for most points in a season. Caitlin Clark set the record with 769 points over 40 games last season. I think it's do-able, what do you think?

LINK / SOURCE

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Geno implied that Paige would have a hard time adjusting to the WNBA. I think the WNBA is having a hard time adjusting to Paige.

Remember this is our guy who said Caitlin didn't have the build for the WNBA and other things too embarassing to mention here.

 

[jdote33]

Geno would make these comments at times about Paige that I kinda didn't understand. Like he'd talk about wnba scouts coming to practice and Paige putting on a show and making it look so easy. Like it's almost a joke how good she can be or it must be a different type of life to be that good at something. That's what came into my head last night. It was just a thing of beauty , but it wasn't like a heat check, I'm hitting wild shots performance. It just looked like she was doing things completely in her comfort zone. I also like how focused she was, never got too high or too low. Just a special performance appreciated by all hoop fans.

 

[cancontent]

Geno would make these comments at times about Paige that I kinda didn't understand. Like he'd talk about wnba scouts coming to practice and Paige putting on a show and making it look so easy. Like it's almost a joke how good she can be or it must be a different type of life to be that good at something. That's what came into my head last night. It was just a thing of beauty , but it wasn't like a heat check, I'm hitting wild shots performance. It just looked like she was doing things completely in her comfort zone. I also like how focused she was, never got too high or too low. Just a special performance appreciated by all hoop fans.

THIS!!!!!

 

[HW611]

This may get moved to the women’s board but thought it was cool overall to watch Paige go off the way she did last night.

Ties the rookie record for points in a game and becomes the first 40 point game in WNBA history on 80(!!!)% shooting.

Caitlin Clark who?

Can never miss a chance to get the love for the midrange campaign out there too 😄

 

[Bone Dog]

What gets me is thinking about what Paige’s conditioning must be like. I mean, she just came off an NC run and barely has a break before the W season starts and she’s running like this.

 

[Mr. French]

I was eyeing up her to score 20, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw 39 on 16-19 shooting at one point. She’s already excellent.

 

[EricSD]

Paige scored the last 13 pts for Dallas. Unfortunately, her teammates imploded. Quinerly dribbled into trouble and turned it over. Hines-Allen pulled down a big defensive rebound and then, with Paige standing right next to her, inexplicably tried to play hero ball, driving the length of the court for what she hoped would be a layup, only to dribble the ball off her leg and out of bounds.

As others have mentioned, on the Wings last offensive position, up by 1, Paige was doubled, dropped a perfect dime on James, who was all alone for a corner 3. Unfortunately, she clanked it. Add in several defensive breakdowns by the Wings and they let a game get away that they were absolutely in position to win.

In retrospect, on that last possession, Paige should have tried to split the double team, which she had done several times last night, and then put up some awkward, off-balance, running one hander, rather than assuming that a teammate might make a wide open shot……

Good point on the other players - a few observations...

Quinnerly, James, and Hines-Allen all sometimes seem to think they are stars in the league - some of their decisions, drives, shots, etc. are just mystifying. I was high on those guys (no pun intended) during about half of the season, but have soured on them a bit.

At this point, if Arike is serious about wanting to stay and play team ball, then the core of Paige, Arike, Maddy, and Luisa is about all they should keep. Not a fan of Jones, Hines-Allen, James, Quinnerly, or Yeru. Not sure what Berger brings to the team but she played 30 minutes last night and only scored 2 points on 1-6 shooting.

Diamond Miller seems to have all the tools to be really good, but while great as a rookie for Minny (12 PPG), she completely regressed and has averaged about 3 PPG since then. Too soon to give up on her, but how much longer can she basically suck? I didn't like Carrington, but this so far has been a terrible trade for Dallas.

If I'm Miller, and if the expansion draft works as it did last year (protect 6 players), I'd keep Paige, Arike, Maddy, Luisa, Ty Harris, and then it's a crap shoot. Jones, James, or Berger? I don't think Yeru is the answer, so maybe go all on and draft Betts.

 

[boontonbomber]

This game should end all ROY debate on the Bench for Citron.

Easy on Sonia; she's 2 years younger.

 

[BBallF]

Bingo. Her movement is something rare in the W. When a player gets her on defense I'm sure by now many let out a long sigh.

Pheesa is the only other player in the league that moves like her without the ball. It's a lost art.

 

[superjohn]

Is she already top 5 in the WNBA?

Looks like UConn players will take WNBA MVP, defensive player of the year, and rookie of the year.

 

[HW611]

I was eyeing up her to score 20, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw 39 on 16-19 shooting at one point. She’s already excellent.

Her efficiency is remarkable.

I saw a graphic that says she’s shooting like 96% from the FT line in her last 10 games.

 

[VA Huskie]

Geno implied that Paige would have a hard time adjusting to the WNBA. I think the WNBA is having a hard time adjusting to Paige.

I don’t remember that. Do you recall if he said why he felt that?

 

[VA Huskie]

Easy on Sonia; she's 2 years younger.

True, but she did play 4 full years of college ball. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if she turned out to be the best pro out of ND’s big 3 last year.

 

[VA Huskie]

Is she already top 5 in the WNBA?

Looks like UConn players will take WNBA MVP, defensive player of the year, and rookie of the year.

I think Aja wins defensive player of the year.

 

[Bald Husky]

Good point on the other players - a few observations...

Quinnerly, James, and Hines-Allen all sometimes seem to think they are stars in the league - some of their decisions, drives, shots, etc. are just mystifying. I was high on those guys (no pun intended) during about half of the season, but have soured on them a bit.

At this point, if Arike is serious about wanting to stay and play team ball, then the core of Paige, Arike, Maddy, and Luisa is about all they should keep. Not a fan of Jones, Hines-Allen, James, Quinnerly, or Yeru. Not sure what Berger brings to the team but she played 30 minutes last night and only scored 2 points on 1-6 shooting.

Diamond Miller seems to have all the tools to be really good, but while great as a rookie for Minny (12 PPG), she completely regressed and has averaged about 3 PPG since then. Too soon to give up on her, but how much longer can she basically suck? I didn't like Carrington, but this so far has been a terrible trade for Dallas.

If I'm Miller, and if the expansion draft works as it did last year (protect 6 players), I'd keep Paige, Arike, Maddy, Luisa, Ty Harris, and then it's a crap shoot. Jones, James, or Berger? I don't think Yeru is the answer, so maybe go all on and draft Betts.

I disagree about Li Yeru. She is a very good offensive player, can shoot the 3 as good as any of them, and has good footwork. She was a rookie last year and hardly played, almost recalled to China because of lack of playing time. That is the reason she was available. I think she is a good investment, and I would protect her. I also completely agree with the other 5 you would protect. I'm surprised you remember Harris, but she was the best option to play the point to get Paige off the ball. She was one of my favorite players with the Sun.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Is she already top 5 in the WNBA?

Looks like UConn players will take WNBA MVP, defensive player of the year, and rookie of the year.

I hope so but Pheesa is still not playing. I know how do I know. The W and I aren't talking but I keep an eye on our girls.

 

[superjohn]

I think Aja wins defensive player of the year.

I don't follow the WNBA but I saw ESPN has Gabby Williams as the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.

I hope she gets it, she was probably my favorite women's bball player before Sarah Strong came along.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I don’t remember that. Do you recall if he said why he felt that?

Maybe because she was headed to Dallas?

 

[WiseWillie]

Bingo. Her movement is something rare in the W. When a player gets her on defense I'm sure by now many let out a long sigh.

Love that description RockyMTblue2 of opposing players with the assignment of defending Paige ..."letting out a long sigh". Can really visualize that especially at this time of the season.

There are those who will bring up the feats of CC for comparison (and who certainly is a great player) but as Paige has demonstrated throughout her basketball career, she is truly one of a kind.

 

[Bigboote]

Good point on the other players - a few observations...

. . . At this point, if Arike is serious about wanting to stay and play team ball, then the core of Paige, Arike, Maddy, and Luisa is about all they should keep. Not a fan of Jones, Hines-Allen, James, Quinnerly, or Yeru. Not sure what Berger brings to the team but she played 30 minutes last night and only scored 2 points on 1-6 shooting.

Don't forget the 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.

 

[Blakeon18]

A'ja Wilson...and her Las Vegas team....is coming on strong. The team was mediocre for quite a while...a clear
underachievement. They have been playing extremely well...will be dangerous in the playoffs...and A'ja is performing like a legit MVP candidate. Napheesa has been missing a ton of games of late....and I think if that continues it will hurt her chances for the award.

 

[Basingstoke]

Don't forget the 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.

I like Berger's team-first approach, but I'm astonished that her strong mid-range game seems to have escaped her. I hope she's able to regain her stroke/confidence .

 

[oldude]

I like Berger's team-first approach, but I'm astonished that her strong mid-range game seems to have escaped her. I hope she's able to regain her stroke/confidence .

Berger is a nice player. But I think she is basically a temporary fill in so that Paige doesn’t have to initiate the offense 100% of the time. Ty Harris would be that player but she’s injured. The Wings tried Quinerly in that role, but she plays out of control far too often. So they signed Berger for the rest of the season. If Berger is still on the team next season, starting at guard, the Wings are in trouble.