On June 27, the Dallas Wings will take on the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. But this isn’t just any regular-season game-it could be the first professional meeting between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, two of the most electrifying players in recent history.
A social media post hinting at a potential faceoff between Clark and Bueckers quickly gained traction, with one user tweeting: “Potential Paige vs. Caitlin game.”
The excitement extended to Rodney Smith, who chimed in on X with his own enthusiastic response: “This game is gonna be NUTSSS.”
Clark and Bueckers already have history, having faced each other in the NCAA Tournament twice in thrilling matchups.
Their first encounter took place in 2021 when Bueckers led UConn past Iowa in the Sweet 16. She came close to a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Clark managed 21 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-for-21 from the field.
Three years later, the two clashed again on the biggest stage. In the 2024 Final Four, Clark and Iowa got their revenge, defeating UConn 71-69.
Clark delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in a dramatic win, officially closing the chapter on their college rivalry. But now, with Clark already in the WNBA and Bueckers projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, the stage could be set for another unforgettable showdown.
The potential impact on the WNBA
Should Bueckers land with the Wings, she would be joining a team looking to establish itself as a title contender, playing alongside a dynamic forward in NaLyssa Smith.
The Fever, meanwhile, have already gained national attention with Clark’s arrival and are quickly becoming one of the most watched teams in the league.
A matchup between these two young stars would not only reignite their rivalry but also serve as another major boost for women’s basketball.
Their previous duels were some of the most talked-about moments in NCAA history, and bringing that same energy to the WNBA would further propel the league into the spotlight.
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