The Indiana Fever clinched a hard-fought 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The win, which brings the Fever’s season record to 8-8, was achieved despite the continued absence of star rookie Caitlin Clark and a standout performance from the Wings’ Paige Bueckers.
The Fever started the game with remarkable intensity, establishing a commanding lead early on. They outscored the Wings 33-13 in the first quarter, marking a season-high for Indiana in a single period. This dominant start included an impressive 14-0 run. The Fever’s offense was highly efficient in the first half, shooting an astounding 74.1% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc, leading to a 56-43 advantage at halftime. Kelsey Mitchell was instrumental in this early surge, contributing 19 points by the break and finishing the game with a team-high 32 points and 7 assists, according to Fox Sports and ESPN. Aliyah Boston also provided significant support, adding 19 points.
The Dallas Wings, however, refused to back down. Led by the exceptional play of Paige Bueckers, who delivered a game-high 27 points, the Wings mounted a spirited comeback. Bueckers, the anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, showcased her talent with a deep three-pointer at the second-quarter buzzer and continued to lead her team’s charge in the third quarter. Dallas outscored Indiana 26-18 in the third period, narrowing the deficit to just five points, 74-69, heading into the final quarter. Arike Ogunbowale also contributed to the Wings’ efforts, scoring nine of her 15 points in the third quarter.
For the Fever, this victory was particularly significant as it demonstrated their ability to close out a game under pressure, a challenge they faced just the night before. In their previous game on Thursday, June 27, the Fever suffered an 85-75 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, squandering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead. Head coach Stephanie White acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining a consistent rotation due to injuries, especially with a ball-dominant player like Clark sidelined. Despite the Wings’ late push, Indiana managed to hold on, preventing a repeat of their previous night’s collapse.
The game marked Caitlin Clark’s second consecutive absence due to a left groin injury, and her seventh missed game of the season overall. Earlier this month, she missed five games due to a quad injury. Coach White described Clark’s status as “day-to-day,” noting her toughness and quick healing ability. The Fever’s record without Clark now stands at 2-4, highlighting the impact of her absence on the team’s dynamics and offensive flow. Her presence was felt even off the court, as she was in attendance at the American Airlines Center, which saw a crowd of 20,409 fans.
Adding to the star power in the arena, Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a recent draft pick by the Dallas Mavericks, was also present to watch Bueckers play. This convergence of top talent, both on and off the court, underscored the growing excitement around the future of professional basketball. The Fever’s hard-earned victory improves their standing in the Eastern Conference, while the Wings, now 4-13, continue to battle in the Western Conference.
