The Dallas Wings sent a clear message in their preseason finale, rolling past the Indiana Fever 95-80 in a game that showcased exactly why they're considered a team to watch this WNBA season. Second-year guard Paige Bueckers was the star of the show, pouring in all 20 of her points during a scorching first half that left the Fever scrambling for answers.
Caitlin Clark, still working her way back from injury, led Indiana with a game-high 21 points in what felt like a preview of the two teams' regular-season opener on May 9. But even Clark's sharp shooting couldn't slow down a Wings squad that hit another gear in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 36-12 to build a 61-46 halftime lead.
The game wasn't without its tense moments. In the third quarter, Wings forward Alanna Smith was called for a flagrant 1 foul after failing to give Clark landing space on a jumpshot, sending the Fever star to the line for three free throws. Clark sank two of them before being subbed out shortly after, but the damage was done—Indiana responded with a 13-2 run to close the quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits.
It wasn't enough to complete the comeback. Dallas held firm and walked away with a convincing 15-point victory on the road, setting up what promises to be a fiery rematch when these two teams meet again next week.
In true preseason fashion, both head coaches—Stephanie White for Indiana and Jose Fernandez for Dallas—used the game as a testing ground for their full rosters. Fever starters Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and Tyasha Harris sat out with minor injuries, with White saying the team wanted to be "cautious" with their minutes. By the fourth quarter, both Clark and Bueckers had checked out for good, a clear sign that coaches were prioritizing health over the final score.
Still, the game wasn't without its rough edges. Turnovers piled up on both sides as new lineups worked through early-season miscommunications—a reminder that even in a preseason blowout, there's always room to grow. For fans watching at home or in the stands, it was a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come when the WNBA regular season tips off for real.