Christie Sides summed it up best: “She’s just a fiery competitor.” That’s what she said after Caitlin Clark picked up her fifth technical foul as a rookie. And while Clark’s intensity helped her shatter records and draw headlines, it also led to frequent confrontations with referees. Fans may remember one particular moment when her own father had to mouth “shut up” after she began arguing with officials. That was just a glimpse of the drama that followed her throughout her debut season.
But now, as a new WNBA season begins, another rookie might be stepping into that fiery spotlight.
Paige already mad at the refs 😅🤣 #wnba
— Megan (@msxo20) May 2, 2025
Paige Bueckers, the highly anticipated Dallas Wings rookie, made waves in her very first preseason appearance—this time, not just for her play but for a reaction that had fans doing a double take. After a frustrating play where she knocked the ball out of bounds, Bueckers turned and had an animated exchange with the referee. The moment quickly went viral, with fans drawing comparisons to Clark.
One fan on X wrote, “Paige already mad at the refs 😅🤣 #WNBA,” capturing the mood on social media.
It sparked a familiar debate: is this fiery energy a liability or simply a sign of elite competitiveness? Just like Clark, Bueckers’ passion may lead to more tense moments with officials—but it also shows the edge that defines great players.
Bueckers’ entrance into the league raises a new question for fans and analysts alike: is she following in Caitlin Clark’s footsteps, or is she carving out a new, bold identity of her own? One thing’s for sure—the WNBA just got even more intense.