Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers deliver fireworks in WNBA preseason duel

The WNBA preseason showdown between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers lived up to expectations as the Dallas Wings secured a 95-80 win over the Indiana Fever on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Dallas took over the game early, going on 14-2 and 15-2 runs between the first two quarters, and outscored Indiana 36-17 in the second period. The Wings built a 23-point lead and maintained control despite a late 13-0 Fever run in the third quarter that cut the deficit to 10.

Bueckers finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting in 20 minutes, all in the first half, including 4-of-6 from three and a perfect 5-for-5 second quarter. She added two rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Clark matched the intensity, leading Indiana with 21 points in just 16 minutes. She shot 4-of-6 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line while adding four assists, two rebounds, and a steal. The 24-year-old exited in the third quarter after taking contact from Alanna Smith on a flagrant foul, later stating the issue involved a hard fall on her kneecap but that she felt good.

Supporting Dallas, Maddy Siegrist recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Aziaha James contributed 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Azzi Fudd, the 2026 No. 1 pick, scored four points on 2-for-7 shooting with one assist in her debut.

The Fever received 10 points from Kelsey Mitchell and five assists and five steals from rookie Raven Johnson. The Wings led 45-26 on the glass and 50-30 in paint scoring

Both teams will meet again in the regular season opener on May 9.

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