Sophie Cunningham, the former Missouri standout, never had the chance to face off against Paige Bueckers during their college careers. However, on August 6th, Cunningham finally got the opportunity to witness the dominance of the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft class. And what a game it was! Despite her team’s loss, Bueckers put up an impressive stat line of 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists, leaving Cunningham in awe of her talent.
The game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun was highly anticipated, with both teams boasting some of the best young talent in the WNBA. But all eyes were on the matchup between Bueckers and Cunningham, two players who have been compared to each other since their college days.
Cunningham, who was drafted second overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft, has been making a name for herself in the league. She has been a consistent performer for the Mercury, averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in her rookie season. But even with her impressive numbers, Cunningham couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for Bueckers’ game.
The 22-year-old guard from UConn has been making waves in the basketball world since her high school days. She was the first high school player to be named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year as a sophomore, and she continued to dominate in college, leading the Huskies to an undefeated season and a national championship in her freshman year.
Bueckers’ performance against the Lynx was just another example of her incredible talent and potential. She effortlessly controlled the game, making it look easy as she weaved through defenders and knocked down shots from all over the court. Her court vision and passing ability were on full display, as she found her teammates for open shots and created scoring opportunities for herself.
But for Cunningham, it was more than just a game. It was a chance to witness firsthand the greatness of Bueckers, a player she has been compared to throughout her career. And despite being on the opposing team, Cunningham couldn’t help but be in awe of Bueckers’ skills.
In an interview after the game, Cunningham said, “It’s always fun to play against great players, and Paige is definitely one of them. She’s a special talent, and it was a privilege to be on the court with her.”
Cunningham also expressed her disappointment at not being able to face Bueckers in college, as their teams never met during their time in the NCAA. But she was grateful for the opportunity to finally play against her and witness her dominance firsthand.
Bueckers, on the other hand, was humble in her victory, giving credit to her teammates and coaches for their support. She also acknowledged Cunningham’s talent and expressed her admiration for her game.
The game between the Lynx and the Sun may have ended in a loss for Cunningham and the Mercury, but it was a win for women’s basketball. It was a showcase of the incredible talent and potential of these young players, and it left fans and fellow players in awe of what the future holds for the WNBA.
As for Cunningham, she may have lost the game, but she gained a newfound respect and admiration for Bueckers. And as she continues to grow and develop in the league, she will undoubtedly use this experience as motivation to elevate her game and reach new heights.
In the end, it was a game that will be remembered for years to come, not just for the impressive stats and highlights, but for the mutual respect and admiration between two talented players. And as Bueckers and Cunningham continue to make their mark in the WNBA, we can only imagine the incredible matchups and moments that lie ahead for these two stars.
