📍 Introduction:
Caitlin Clark vs Paige Bueckers lived up to the hype in their first WNBA meeting, but it was Clark and the Indiana Fever who stole the show in a dominant 102-83 win over the Dallas Wings. Fueled by a franchise-record 64-point first half, the Fever overwhelmed the Wings in every phase of the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
💫 Clark’s All-Around Impact Sets the Tone
While Clark’s shooting wasn’t at its best (14 points on 4-of-12 shooting), she showcased her elite playmaking:
- 🅰️ 13 assists – a Fever record in regulation
- 🔐 5 steals, strong on-ball defense
- 🚫 Key block on JJ Quinerly followed by a full-court assist
“I thought my playmaking was really good… no reason to shoot that much,” Clark noted postgame.
👑 Paige Bueckers Still Shines Despite Loss
Though her team struggled, Bueckers showed why she’s a rookie of the year favorite:
- 🏀 21 points (9-of-15 shooting)
- ➕ 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
- ❌ 4 turnovers, as Fever’s defense disrupted her rhythm
This game marked her 17th consecutive double-figure scoring performance — the fourth-longest streak to start a WNBA career.
📈 Fever’s Historic First Half: 64 Points
Indiana dominated the second quarter 36-15, breaking it wide open. Key stats:
- 💯 64 first-half points – Fever record
- 🖐️ 5 players in double figures
- 💪 23 points off 18 Wings turnovers
- 🔄 58 points in the paint
“We were just firing on all cylinders,” said Clark.
“Ball was moving… our defense gave us transition buckets,” added coach Stephanie White.
📉 Wings Struggle Despite Ogunbowale’s Return
Dallas welcomed back Arike Ogunbowale, but the All-Star guard had the worst shooting night of her career:
- 0-for-10 from the field
- 2 points from free throws
- 📉 Most FG attempts without a make in her WNBA career
“She’s got to find that balance again,” said coach Chris Koclanes.
“She stayed in it mentally, which was big,” added Bueckers.
🔥 Fever’s Top Performers vs Wings
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Mitchell | 20 | 2 | 3 |
| Natasha Howard | 18 | 1 | 6 |
| Aliyah Boston | 17 | 3 | 5 |
| Caitlin Clark | 14 | 13 | 5 (steals) |
| Sophie Cunningham | 11 | 1 | 4 |
🧠 What This Game Means Going Forward
- The Fever (11-10) are above .500 again and finding offensive rhythm.
- Clark is evolving into a true floor general.
- Bueckers continues to deliver consistently despite growing pains.
- The Wings (6-16) must find solutions for backcourt balance and transition defense.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Who won the Caitlin Clark vs Paige Bueckers WNBA matchup?
A: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever defeated the Dallas Wings 102-83.
Q2: What record did the Fever set in the game?
A: They scored a franchise-record 64 first-half points and had 13 assists from Clark, a regulation-game record.
Q3: How did Paige Bueckers perform?
A: Bueckers scored 21 points with 4 assists and 4 rebounds, continuing her double-figure scoring streak.
