Sonia Citron’s late-season heroics reignite thrilling Rookie of the Year race

Despite Paige Bueckers coming into the season as the consensus favorite for Rookie of the Year as the top pick—a hype Bueckers has lived up to by exceeding expectations and having a historic rookie season—Sonia Citron’s hot stretch has catapulted her right into the Rookie of the Year conversation as she continues to have a historic rookie season in her own right. 

To those who were ready to crown Bueckers as the Rookie of the Year, think again, as Citron has put a halt to the crowning.

Sonia Citron continues to have a great rookie season

Many deemed the 2025 rookie class a clear step below the 2024 rookie class. However, that notion couldn’t have been more wrong, as the impact of the 2025 class is evident: producing three All-Stars in Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen in comparison to last year’s class, which produced two All-Stars in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. 

The point being is that Citron has blown through expectations and has made a lot of noise as nobody predicted her to be an All-Star in her rookie year. Despite the pressure of being an All-Star and how pressure defines players Citron has been excellent in fourth quarters, leading all rookies in fourth quarter scoring and total clutch points at (5.3 points per game and 47 total clutch points). Post All-Star break (12 games), Citron has taken things to the next level, averaging 17.3 points per game and shooting 50% from the floor and a blistering 51.1% from three. 

Head coach Sydney Johnson was quoted in an Andscape article about Citron, highlighting the rookie’s maturity, two-way ability, and impact on the Washington Mystics by saying, "It’s very rare when you have first-year players who are not only talented but check all the boxes in terms of... professionalism, coachability, and a desire to be great. When you see that, as a coach, you sprint to the gym every day to work with them”. 

How does Sonia Citron matchup with Paige Bueckers?

Sonia Citron and Paige Bueckers have played each other twice this season. The Mystics took both wins, and Citron put together some impressive showings.

These head-to-head performances have provided significant pushback from fans on the race being over and are legitimizing Citron’s Rookie of the Year case. Fans witnessing her ability to lock down and deliver in the clutch are swaying opinions, which has only sparked the debate more.

Now, let’s dive into some key comparisons from a statistical standpoint (with less than a month remaining in the season) between the top two Rookie of the Year candidates. 

While Bueckers has the advantages in points, assists, steals, and blocks, Citron has the edge in rebounds, overall efficiency, and games played. Now, taking a deeper dive, Citron has the advantage in the clutch and fourth quarter scoring, as she leads all rookies in clutch points (42) and points per game in the fourth quarter (5.3 PPG). In the clutch, Citron is shooting 44% from the field and 45.5% from three compared to Bueckers's 26.7% from the field and 15.4% from three.

Citron also has the advantage in team impact and success, as Washington is 16-18 and is only a half-game behind the Seattle Storm for the final playoff spot, while Dallas stands at 9-26.

While Paige Bueckers remains the frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race according to the national media and based on her season-long counting stats, Citron's recent surge, particularly her efficiency, two-way play, and delivery in the clutch, has kept the race alive. Add in the fact that Bueckers has missed time due to injury while Citron has played every game, and it no longer makes Rookie of the Year a forgone conclusion, thanks to Citron's play, which makes the final month of the regular season so exciting.