Caitlin Clark’s Dazzling Double-Double Powers Indiana Fever’s 102-83 Rout of Dallas Wings as Mitchell and Bueckers Shine Bright

The lights were bright, but Caitlin Clark’s star burned even brighter in the Indiana Fever’s dominant 102-83 win over the Dallas Wings. The rookie sensation notched another impressive milestone in her debut WNBA season—this time in the form of a double-double, tallying 14 points and a career-high 13 assists while orchestrating a relentless offensive onslaught that left the Wings grasping for answers.

Clark’s court vision, anticipation, and poise dictated the game from the opening tip. Her passes sliced through the defense like a surgeon’s scalpel, and her ability to control the pace gave the Fever a rhythm they’ve been searching for in past seasons. Indiana’s 102 points marked their highest scoring output of the season, and Clark was at the heart of it all.

“I’m just trying to make the right reads,” Clark said postgame. “When you’ve got teammates like Kelsey, like Paige, who can knock down shots from anywhere, my job becomes easy. It’s all about sharing the ball and staying aggressive.”

That humility is typical Clark. But make no mistake—her fingerprints were all over this game.

Kelsey Mitchell led all Fever scorers with 20 points, adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists in a dynamic effort that kept the Wings guessing. Whether she was stepping into a smooth mid-range jumper or draining threes off the catch, Mitchell found her flow early and never lost it.

“She’s such a pro,” Clark said of Mitchell. “The way she prepares, the way she leads—it’s been huge for me as a rookie. She opens the floor for everybody.”

But perhaps the most significant statement came from another new face in Fever red: Paige Bueckers. Fresh off a storied college career and settling into her own rookie campaign, Bueckers poured in 21 points on highly efficient shooting while adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists of her own. She played with a controlled ferocity, slicing through defenders with a lightning-quick first step and finishing through contact like a veteran.

“It felt good to be out there with Caitlin,” Bueckers said. “We feed off each other’s energy, and I think we’re starting to build something special.”

Indeed, the trio of Clark, Bueckers, and Mitchell looked like the core of a team that’s on the verge of something truly dangerous. When all three are clicking, Indiana becomes a matchup nightmare. Clark’s playmaking creates space for Bueckers’ slicing drives and Mitchell’s perimeter barrage. Meanwhile, the tempo Clark imposes forces opposing teams to play faster than they’d prefer—something the Wings found out the hard way.

Dallas, coming into the game with hopes of regaining their early-season form, never found a consistent rhythm. Despite a few bright spots and scoring runs powered by Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, the Wings trailed for the majority of the game and never seriously threatened in the second half.

The Fever, meanwhile, shot 51% from the field and an astounding 44% from beyond the arc. Clark’s distribution played a major role in those percentages. Of her 13 assists, six directly led to three-pointers. It’s a level of gravity and selflessness that’s becoming the new identity of this Indiana squad.

“We’re evolving,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said after the game. “There’s a trust that’s growing. The way Caitlin’s pushing the pace, the way Kelsey’s leading, and the way Paige is playing with confidence—it’s contagious. You could feel that tonight.”

What made the performance even more remarkable was the poise displayed by the Fever’s rookies. Clark and Bueckers were drafted with enormous expectations—perhaps more so than any duo in recent memory—but their unselfishness and growing chemistry speak volumes. Neither is trying to outshine the other. Instead, they’re building a foundation rooted in collaboration.

The Fever’s defensive intensity also deserves credit. They held Dallas to just 41% shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers, many of which turned into fast-break points on the other end. Indiana’s commitment to transition basketball—driven by Clark’s outlet passing and Bueckers’ ability to run the floor—meant that Dallas was often on their heels.

In the third quarter, with the Fever nursing a 10-point lead, Clark strung together one of the most electrifying sequences of the night. After grabbing a defensive rebound, she whipped a one-handed outlet to a streaking Bueckers, who finished through contact and drew the foul. On the very next possession, Clark drove into the paint, kicked out to Mitchell in the corner, and watched as her teammate splashed a three to blow the game wide open.

The crowd erupted.

“She’s like a quarterback out there,” Mitchell said of Clark. “She knows where everyone is before the defense does.”

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Fever had cemented their most complete performance of the season. They shared the ball, defended with purpose, and played with joy. The bench erupted on every big play. The energy in the arena was electric. Fans wearing Clark’s jersey cheered just as loudly for Bueckers and Mitchell.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a declaration.

For Indiana, a franchise that’s spent the past few years searching for identity and consistency, this felt like a turning point. Clark’s double-double proved she can impact the game even when she isn’t the top scorer. Bueckers’ 21-point effort showed she can thrive in big moments. And Mitchell’s steady hand reminded everyone why she’s still the soul of this team.

The questions about fit, chemistry, and whether these stars could coexist are slowly melting away. If anything, this game hinted at what’s possible when they work together.

WNBA legends and current analysts took to social media to celebrate the performance. Sue Bird tweeted, “Caitlin making magic with the ball. Paige looking smooth as ever. Kelsey still a bucket. Fever fans, you’ve got something here.”

The road ahead is long, and challenges remain. But on this night, the Indiana Fever offered a glimpse of a thrilling future. They looked young. They looked fearless. And they looked ready.

“I think we’re just scratching the surface,” Bueckers said with a smile. “And that’s the scary part—for other teams.”

Clark echoed the sentiment. “We’re having fun, and we’re learning each game. This is only the beginning.”

Indeed, if this is just the beginning, the rest of the WNBA better take notice.

With Clark running the show, Bueckers attacking the seams, and Mitchell setting the tone, Indiana’s rise may be coming faster than anyone expected.

And as long as the trio continues to play with this kind of heart, hustle, and harmony, the Fever faithful have every reason to believe.