Paige Bueckers, a rising star in the WNBA, recently found herself at the center of a debate regarding her competitive nature compared to fellow player Caitlin Clark. The discussion was ignited by a fan’s comment suggesting that Bueckers lacks the “killer instinct” that Clark is often praised for. However, Bueckers’ Dallas Wings teammate, Luisa Geiselsoder, stepped in to defend her.
The growing popularity of the WNBA has been partly fueled by the remarkable talents of players like Clark. Despite a challenging year where she only participated in 13 games due to injury, Clark made her impact felt with the Indiana Fever, solidifying her place within the league. Meanwhile, Bueckers has had an impressive season, emerging as the 2025 Rookie of the Year after being drafted first overall by the Wings. She played a pivotal role for her team, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 36 games.
In contrast, Clark’s stats were notable as well, with averages of 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals during her limited playing time. The discussion took a turn when Geiselsoder defended Bueckers on “The Journey” podcast, expressing her belief in Bueckers’ abilities. In response to the fan’s comment, Geiselsoder acknowledged Clark’s significant role in the evolution of women’s basketball but insisted, “Paige Bueckers has a ‘killer instinct’ I can confirm 100% from live experience.”
Looking ahead, Bueckers is set to showcase her talent during the offseason as she participates in Unrivaled Basketball, a league co-founded by stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. She will join a stellar lineup, including Aari McDonald and Cameron Brink, indicating her ongoing commitment to honing her skills despite the offseason.
As Clark works towards recovery and aims to make a powerful comeback for her third season in 2026, Bueckers continues to prove herself as a formidable player in women’s basketball, further enhancing the excitement around the future of the league. With both athletes striving for excellence, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from these talented players in the years to come.