The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever 107-104, showcasing their potential as a WNBA contender. Paige Bueckers outperformed Caitlin Clark in a highly anticipated matchup.
Key points
Dallas Wings defeated Indiana Fever 107-104
Paige Bueckers outperformed Caitlin Clark
Wings show potential as WNBA contenders
Game featured last four No. 1 picks
WNBA's popularity continues to rise
Dallas WingsIndiana FeverPaige BueckersCaitlin Clark
INDIANAPOLIS — The Dallas Wings are the real deal.
Paige Bueckers got the best of Caitlin Clark in their much-anticipated matchup and the Wings served notice to the rest of the WNBA their preseason dominance was no fluke with a 107-104 win over the Indiana Fever on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the opening game for both teams. After being at or near the bottom of the WNBA standings the last two seasons, this Wings team is built to be a contender.
As for Clark and the Fever, they're still a work in progress.
The W had big hopes for this game -- a nationally televised matchup featuring the last four No. 1 picks, including Clark and Bueckers -- and it didn't disappoint. Sure, it was sloppy, with the teams combining for 50 fouls and almost 30 turnovers. What do expect when you have a nanosecond for training camp?
But it also showed why the WNBA's popularity is skyrocketing and shows no sign of tailing off.
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the league’s brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever game?
The Dallas Wings won the game against the Indiana Fever with a score of 107-104.
Who were the standout players in the Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever matchup?
Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark were the standout players in the matchup, both being recent No. 1 draft picks.
How did the Dallas Wings perform compared to previous seasons?
The Dallas Wings showed significant improvement, moving from the bottom of the WNBA standings in previous seasons to a strong contender this year.
What impact does this game have on the WNBA's popularity?
The game highlighted the growing popularity of the WNBA, demonstrating the league's appeal with high-profile matchups and competitive play.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks to pass around Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd and Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
1 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the league’s brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
1 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the league’s brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
2 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
3 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
4 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
5 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks to pass around Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd and Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
6 / 6
Caitlin Clark is back as Fever open season at home against Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bueckers confirmed the faith WNBA GMs had when they tagged her as the player they'd start a team with, scoring 20 on 8-of-10 shooting and adding four assists and three rebounds with just one turnover. Her last bucket, a jumper from just inside the 3-point range, might as well have been the dagger for the Wings.
Bueckers squared up from 3-point range, but pulled the ball back when an Indiana defender stepped in front of her and drilled the 2-pointer.
And while Dallas was firmly in control most of the game, the Fever at least made it interesting. Kelsey Mitchell scored on a rebound layup to pull within three points with less than 30 seconds left, but her 3-pointer at the buzzer hit the rim and bounced off.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
