Caitlin Clark Outduels Paige Bueckers as Indiana Fever Beat Dallas Wings 98-87
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers delivered a thrilling battle between two former No. 1 overall picks Friday night, with both stars scoring 29 points. Clark, however, helped the Indiana Fever pull away late as they defeated the short-handed Dallas Wings 98-87 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The matchup was especially significant with Clark and Bueckers set to become U.S. teammates at the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Before joining forces internationally, the young stars put on an entertaining individual duel in front of a sellout crowd.
Clark Continues Historic Season
Clark, the former Iowa standout, finished with 29 points and 10 assists, recording her seventh game this season with at least 25 points and 10 assists. That total is already more than any player has produced over an entire WNBA career, while Clark owns the league’s career record with 13 such performances.
Her influence extended far beyond scoring. Clark either scored or assisted on 51% of Indiana’s points, repeatedly creating opportunities for teammates and controlling the Fever offense.
Indiana coach Stephanie White praised Clark’s ability to dictate the game and organize the team’s attack.
Bueckers Matches Clark
Bueckers was equally impressive for Dallas. The former UConn star scored 29 points while adding six assists and six rebounds, contributing to half of the Wings’ total points through her scoring and playmaking.
The first half belonged slightly to Dallas, which took a 37-35 lead into halftime. Both offenses struggled from long range early, combining to shoot only 6-for-31 from three-point territory.
Everything changed in the third quarter.
Clark and Bueckers began trading baskets, producing one of the most entertaining stretches of the game. The pair combined for 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including three made three-pointers.
Indiana Dominates the Fourth Quarter
The decisive moment came in the final period. Indiana turned up the pressure on both ends of the floor and outscored Dallas 35-21 in the fourth quarter.
The Fever's defense limited Bueckers' impact late, while Indiana continued to attack aggressively. Dallas ultimately surrendered 63 points in the second half, a performance Wings coach Jose Fernandez described as unacceptable.
Clark credited her team's persistence for the turnaround.
Mitchell Extends WNBA Scoring Streak
Kelsey Mitchell also made history for Indiana. The veteran guard scored at least 20 points for the 18th consecutive game, extending the longest single-season 20-point scoring streak in WNBA history.
Tyasha Harris provided another major boost off the bench. She went a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range and finished with 15 points.
Aliyah Boston added a strong all-around performance with 16 points and 10 rebounds, including an important contribution during the fourth-quarter surge.
Wings Struggling Without Key Players
Dallas remained competitive despite missing several players. Jessica Shepard was sidelined for a second consecutive game with an ankle injury, while Azzi Fudd missed her fourth straight contest because of a knee issue.
Bueckers acknowledged that Indiana was simply stronger in the closing minutes.
The Wings have now won only three of their last 10 games, adding pressure as the postseason approaches.
Fever Build Playoff Momentum
The victory improved Indiana's record to 22-12, with the Fever holding fourth place in the WNBA standings. Indiana has won 10 of its last 13 games, showing strong momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Dallas fell to 20-15 and remains in eighth place.
The rivalry will continue soon, as the Fever and Wings are scheduled to meet again Thursday in Dallas. After Friday's exciting Clark-Bueckers showdown, their next matchup could provide another major chapter in the growing rivalry between two of the WNBA's brightest young stars.
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