Caitlin Clark dominates Paige Bueckers in their first WNBA matchup

The highly anticipated duel between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers went in favor of the Fever star. In their first direct WNBA matchup, the Indiana Fever handed a heavy defeat to the Dallas Wings (104-82), confirming the hierarchy between the last two #1 draft picks.

Assist masterclass from Caitlin Clark 🎯

Watch her set up bucket after bucket in the Fever’s win over the Wings.

14 PTS | 13 AST | 5 STL pic.twitter.com/UIvqdKRrig

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 13, 2025

While the two teams had already met in late June, Caitlin Clark was absent due to a groin injury, while Paige Bueckers shined with 27 points despite the Texas team’s loss. This time, both phenoms were present on the Indianapolis court for a highly anticipated spectacle, broadcast nationally in the United States.

A balanced first quarter before the Fever’s explosion

The game started evenly with Li Yueru opening the score for Dallas, before Caitlin Clark immediately responded with a 3-pointer. At the end of the first quarter, Indiana led narrowly 28-27, with seven points each for both stars.

Everything changed in the second quarter. The Fever took a six-point lead thanks to Sophie Cunningham (13 points, 5 rebounds), before a spectacular block by Caitlin Clark on JJ Quinerly led to a half-court pass to the same Cunningham. This sequence initiated a 10-0 run that forced Chris Koclanes to call a timeout.

swatted 😤

big-time block from Caitlin Clark. pic.twitter.com/L3ZRnKRVXi

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 13, 2025

Despite this break, the fire didn’t stop. The Fever accelerated again with a 17-2 run during which Natasha Howard scored eight of her 18 points. With an incredible shooting second quarter (16/21 from the field), Indiana went to halftime leading 64-42, setting the record for points scored in a half this WNBA season.

Caitlin Clark gets her revenge on Paige Bueckers

After the break, the ordeal continued for Dallas. Indiana maintained their momentum and even flirted with a 30-point lead thanks to another 3-pointer from Sophie Cunningham (75-47). The Wings never managed to get back into the game, and the Fever kept pushing until the final buzzer.

Caitlin Clark finished her night with 14 points (4/12 shooting) and 13 assists, getting her revenge from their April 5, 2024 matchup in the Women’s March Madness Final Four, where Iowa had beaten UConn 71-69. The only bright spot for Dallas in this poor performance was Paige Bueckers’ 21 points on 9/15 shooting.

THIS PICTURE of Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers

YEAH I’M INVESTED pic.twitter.com/Rck2fikraT

— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 13, 2025

This third consecutive loss puts the Wings in a difficult situation. They’ll have a chance to get back to winning ways this Wednesday when they host the Aces and reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, another big challenge for Paige Bueckers’ team.