WNBA fans have been waiting for this moment since the 2025 season schedule dropped. On Sunday, Indiana hosted Dallas at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Fever sensation Caitlin Clark had nothing but praise for Wings rookie Paige Bueckers in their first professional matchup.
This was the second meeting between the Fever and the Wings this season. Their first matchup came on June 27, when Indiana won 94-86. However, Clark sat that game out with a quadriceps injury, delaying the long-anticipated showdown between the two top picks in recent drafts.
Even Sunday’s game was in doubt after Clark suffered a groin injury that had sidelined her for several games. But the Fever star recovered just in time-and ahead of tipoff, she offered heartfelt words about her opponent.
Caitlin admires Paige
During a pregame press conference, Clark didn’t hold back in admiring Bueckers’ poise and maturity on the court.
“She’s always been smooth,” Clark said. “She takes what the game gives her. She just plays way older than she is.”
Clark also praised how effortlessly Bueckers has made the leap from college to the pros. “She can score from all three levels. That’s how she’s always played. That’s obviously translated very well,” she added.
Bueckers vs Clark: A rivalry in the making
Clark vs. Bueckers is just getting started. The Fever will visit the Wings at College Park Center on August 1, and the two teams will meet again in Indiana on August 12 to close out the season series.
If both stars stay healthy-and Clark can bounce back from her recent slump-this could quickly become one of the WNBA’s defining rivalries, not just for this season but for years to come.
Read the full article here
