Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark in the rookie record books (again)

Paige Bueckers is having a huge rookie season despite the Wings' 6-14 record. The UConn graduate has blasted through established WNBA records, and is currently averaging 18.2 points and 5.5 assists in her first 15 games. That makes her the only other player to average at least 15 points and 5 assists so far this season besides the Fever's Caitlin Clark.

Clark, who has missed several games this season due to injury, is currently averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists. She returns to the floor for the Fever's game against the Valkyries this afternoon.

Bueckers and Clark have yet to play one another this season, but should get their first opportunity when Dallas heads to Indiana on July 13.

Bueckers is making a strong WNBA debut

As of mid-June, Bueckers was fifth among all guards — not just rookies — in assists per game, second among all rookies in field goal percentage, and was averaging more steals than any other player in the league.

Bueckers is having a similar rookie experience to Clark's in other ways as well. As many fans can recall, the Fever had a pretty dismal record heading into last year's Olympic break — and the Wings are certainly struggling this season. While Dallas won't get a few weeks off to work on their game behind the scenes, there's still plenty of time for the team to turn things around.

Clark's return to the court will see key changes

Clark's return to the court after recovering from a groin injury will see two key changes: in addition to the sophomore guard, the starting five will include Aari McDonald, Natasha Howard, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull will return to the bench.

And if footage from the Fever's practices this week is any indication, fans can also expect to see Clark playing off the ball more and McDonald bringing the ball down the court. Playing McDonald all the ball will help Clark adjust to playing again and should provide her more opportunities to get open three-pointers.

Video shared by Scott Agness offered a glimpse of what fans can expect to see, and let's just say things look really, really good at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This new formation will give McDonald, Clark, and Boston the opportunity to initiate sets and for Clark to set screens for McDonald — which in turn gives her more chances to do what she does best (shooting the ball).