NBA terrorist: Ja Morant, alongside Chet Holmgren angrily Opens fire With Paige Bueckers’ 44-Point Masterclass Despite obstacles Major Upset” he raised beyond doubters to set shocking record..See full details
Paige Bueckers put on one of the most dazzling individual performances of her career this week, pouring in a career-high 44 points in what was a breathtaking offensive display. But while her performance will go down as one of the standout moments of the season, it came in the context of a heartbreaking defeat for UConn, as the Huskies were stunned in a major upset that left fans both in awe of her brilliance and stunned by the result.
NBA stars Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren were among the first to react to Bueckers’ historic night, using social media to heap praise on the UConn guard. Their admiration underscored the growing crossover attention women’s basketball continues to earn, particularly as players like Bueckers continue to redefine expectations with elite-level skill, toughness, and flair.
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A Performance for the Ages
From the opening tip, it was clear that Paige Bueckers was in a rhythm few players ever experience. She scored from every level of the court—knocking down contested threes, finishing at the rim with acrobatic layups, and hitting mid-range jumpers with surgical precision. Her ability to shoulder the offensive load in crunch time was nothing short of remarkable.
Despite heavy defensive pressure, Bueckers demonstrated poise, creativity, and relentless energy. With UConn trailing late, she single-handedly kept the Huskies in striking distance, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter alone. Her 44-point outburst not only set a personal record but also marked one of the highest-scoring performances in UConn women’s basketball history.
What made the night even more special was the efficiency—Bueckers shot over 60 percent from the floor, added six assists, and grabbed five rebounds. It was the type of all-around effort that screamed “superstar” on every possession.
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The Upset That Stunned College Basketball
And yet, despite her brilliance, UConn fell short in one of the season’s most shocking results. Their opponent, an unranked but scrappy team that many had written off as heavy underdogs, capitalized on defensive lapses and knocked down timely shots to secure the upset.
The loss was painful for the Huskies, who entered the game as clear favorites. For head coach Geno Auriemma, the defeat exposed lingering issues with depth, rebounding, and defensive rotations that even Bueckers’ heroics couldn’t fully cover.
Still, for fans and analysts alike, the bigger takeaway was the reminder that no matter the expectations, college basketball remains beautifully unpredictable.
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Ja Morant’s Reaction
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, known for his explosive style of play and flair for the dramatic, quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to salute Bueckers.
“44 is insane. She a bucket fr,” Morant posted, accompanied by fire emojis and clapping hands.
Morant has long been an admirer of women’s basketball, often highlighting WNBA and NCAA women’s stars on social media. His quick acknowledgment of Bueckers’ performance not only amplified the buzz around the game but also underscored the mutual respect growing between male and female basketball stars at the highest levels.
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Chet Holmgren Adds His Praise
Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren also weighed in. Holmgren, who shares Minnesota roots with Bueckers, was especially effusive in his praise.
“Paige been different since day one. Minnesota breeds hoopers. 44 in college is crazy work,” Holmgren wrote on Instagram.
Holmgren’s connection to Bueckers goes back years—both came up in the Minnesota basketball circuit and were touted as future stars from their high school days. For Holmgren, watching Bueckers shine on the national stage is not just impressive but also a point of pride for their shared background.
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A Growing Movement of Support
The reactions from Morant and Holmgren are part of a broader trend: NBA stars publicly supporting and celebrating women’s basketball like never before. Over the past few years, the lines between the men’s and women’s games have blurred in terms of respect, with cross-shoutouts, offseason pick-up runs, and social media conversations highlighting the mutual admiration between athletes.
Bueckers, in particular, is one of the names consistently mentioned by NBA players. Her game—built on sharp decision-making, versatile scoring, and icy confidence—resonates with pros who recognize the same competitive fire that fuels their own success.
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What This Means for UConn
While the loss will sting, UConn has much to build on. Paige Bueckers’ form suggests she is playing at the peak of her powers, which could carry the Huskies through the rest of the season. With March Madness approaching, her ability to dominate games is a weapon that could erase doubts about UConn’s depth and resiliency.
Auriemma acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the night in his postgame comments.
“Paige was phenomenal. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen in this program. But basketball is a team game, and we didn’t do enough in other areas to match her effort. That’s on all of us.”
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The Bigger Picture: Bueckers’ Legacy in the Making
Paige Bueckers’ 44-point masterclass will be remembered not just as a career-defining game but also as a turning point in her already remarkable journey. After battling through injuries in recent seasons, she has returned with a vengeance, determined to remind the basketball world why she was once the most hyped recruit in the nation.
Her performance against a tough opponent, despite the upset, only adds to her lore. Greatness in sports is not always tied to wins and losses—it’s often about how a player rises to the occasion, even when circumstances are stacked against them.
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Fan Reactions and Cultural Buzz
Social media lit up following the game. Clips of Bueckers’ step-back threes and fearless drives circulated widely, with fans calling her “unguardable” and “the best player in college basketball.” The fact that Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren jumped into the conversation only fueled the buzz further, creating viral moments that extended far beyond traditional women’s basketball coverage.
For the women’s game, this kind of attention matters. It validates the skill level, brings new fans into the fold, and bridges the gap between different corners of the basketball community.
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Conclusion: A Star Who Transcends Results
The night may have ended in disappointment for UConn, but for Paige Bueckers, it was a performance that transcended the scoreboard. Dropping 44 points in a high-pressure game is the kind of feat that cements a player’s reputation as generational.
With NBA stars like Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren adding their voices to the chorus of praise, Bueckers’ impact is now being recognized on a stage that extends far beyond college basketball.
In sports, moments of brilliance often outlast the pain of defeat. Paige Bueckers’ 44-point masterclass will be remembered as one of those nights—an electric reminder of her talent, resilience, and the respect she commands across the entire basketball world.
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