Fever defeat Wings in first pro meeting between Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers faced each other professionally for the first time on Sunday, reigniting a rivalry that last occurred in the 2024 NCAA Final Four. Clark's Indiana Fever defeated Bueckers' Dallas Wings 102-83 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, days before both are set to appear as All-Stars in the WNBA All-Star Weekend. Clark overcame a recent shooting slump to lead the Fever, while Bueckers reinforced her rookie-of-the-year credentials.

The Fever set a franchise record with 64 first-half points, the highest by any WNBA team this season, en route to their second consecutive win. Clark orchestrated the offense, tying the team's season-high 102 points. After hitting her first three-pointer early and scoring 7 points in the opening quarter, she shifted to playmaking with 5 assists in the second period during a decisive 21-6 run that built a 49-33 lead.

Clark finished with a double-double of 14 points and 13 assists (her 19th career double-double) and matched her career-high with 5 steals, three of which came against Bueckers. A standout moment came when she blocked JJ Quinerly's layup and threw a full-court pass to Sophie Cunningham for a transition basket. She also scored on a coast-to-coast layup after stealing from Bueckers in the first quarter.

Despite Clark's defensive pressure, Bueckers delivered an All-Star-caliber performance with 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including a deep three-pointer and an and-1 layup. She added 4 assists and 4 rebounds, showcasing her versatile scoring ability.

Bueckers' co-star Arike Ogunbowale struggled significantly in her return from a thumb injury, missing all 10 shot attempts and scoring only 2 points on free throws—tying her lowest output since June 2022.

Five Fever players scored in double figures, including All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell (20 points) and Aliyah Boston (17 points). Natasha Howard contributed 18 points, while Cunningham added 13 off the bench as Indiana scored 99+ points in consecutive games.