Paige Bueckers exploded for a career-high 37 points, sealing a decisive victory and a groundbreaking $50,000 bonus for her perfect free-throw streak.
Paige Bueckers delivered a night that blended scoring dominance, competitive edge and a rare financial bonus, lifting Breeze BC to a decisive win while pocketing a first-of-its-kind prize in the process.
In her debut season with Unrivaled, Bueckers poured in a career-high 37 points to lead the Breeze to an 83–64 victory over Mist BC on Monday night, snapping a two-game skid and pushing her team back above .500. She shot 14-of-19 from the field, knocked down five 3-pointers and dictated the game from the opening minutes in a performance that stood out even in a league built to showcase elite offensive talent.
The closing moments followed Unrivaled’s distinctive target-score format, with the Breeze reaching the winning total after building a comfortable cushion through three quarters. Bueckers ended it herself, pulling up for an off-balance jumper to hit the target score and put the game away.
While the shot sealed the win, the most lucrative points of the night came at the free-throw line. Bueckers finished perfect from the stripe again, remaining 13-for-13 on the season and earning Unrivaled’s inaugural Free Throw Challenge. The award, which carries a $50,000 prize, goes to the player with the highest free-throw percentage through the first five games, provided minimum appearance and attempt thresholds are met.
Several players entered the competition without a miss, but Bueckers separated herself by pairing accuracy with volume. Phantom BC guard Tiffany Hayes finished second at 6-for-6, while other perfect shooters failed to qualify due to limited attempts.
Asked about her plans for the prize money, the Breeze guard kept the focus light.
“I got some good plans, but no pocket watching over here,” Bueckers said with a smile. “I’m gonna take care of it.”
The win continued a strong start to the season for Bueckers, who is averaging 23.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game for the 3–2 Breeze. Her impact was evident from the opening quarter, when she set the tone offensively before the supporting cast took control in the middle stages.
Cameron Brink provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring 18 points with six rebounds and a block. Rickea Jackson added 10 points, while Dominique Malonga posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Brink’s surge in the second quarter helped the Breeze carry a seven-point lead into halftime.
The advantage grew after the break. With Bueckers orchestrating the offense and attacking mismatches, the Breeze stretched the margin to 72–57 by the end of the third quarter, placing the target score firmly within reach.
Mist BC struggled to slow the pace despite strong individual performances. Breanna Stewart finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and two steals, while Allisha Gray added 20 points along with two steals and two blocks. The loss dropped the Mist to 3–2.
The Breeze will look to build on the momentum Saturday against the winless Lunar Owls, a roster headlined by Skylar Diggins-Smith, Napheesa Collier and Aaliyah Edwards. With Bueckers finding rhythm early in the season and adding efficiency to volume scoring, the Breeze appear well-positioned to turn individual brilliance into sustained success.