Wed Jul 16 22:10:00 UTC 2025: **Fever Overpower Wings in Historic Win, Clark and Bueckers Face Off**
**INDIANAPOLIS** – In a highly anticipated matchup between top draft picks Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the Indiana Fever defeated the Dallas Wings 102-83 on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark’s playmaking and the Fever’s dominant offense led to a record-breaking first half and secured the victory.
The Fever exploded for a franchise-record 64 first-half points, fueled by a dominant 36-15 second quarter. Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, dished out 13 of Indiana’s 30 assists while adding 14 points and 5 steals. While Clark admitted her shooting wasn’t at its best, she emphasized her focus on playmaking and defense. A highlight reel play saw Clark block a layup and then deliver a pinpoint pass for a fast-break basket.
Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 pick, led the Wings with 21 points, continuing her impressive scoring streak to start her WNBA career. However, the Fever’s defense proved too much for Dallas, forcing 18 turnovers and limiting their offensive flow.
“Their physicality really, really bothered us in stretches,” said Wings coach Chris Koclanes.
The Fever’s balanced attack saw five players score in double figures, including Kelsey Mitchell (20 points), Natasha Howard (18 points), and Aliyah Boston (17 points). The team shot 52% from the field and scored a season-high 58 points in the paint. The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Fever, who have now scored 201 points in their last two games after a lackluster offensive performance earlier in the week.
The Wings also saw the return of Arike Ogunbowale from injury, but the All-Star struggled, missing all ten of her field goal attempts.
First Piper 