Indiana Fever Sets New Franchise Record in Statement Win Over Paige Bueckers’ Wings During Electrifying Midseason Surge in WNBA 2025
The Indiana Fever are not just back—they are redefining their identity in the WNBA. In what was billed as a highly anticipated showdown between two teams powered by rising stars, the Fever dominated the Dallas Wings 102–79, flexing their muscle in a way the franchise hasn’t done in decades. Behind the brilliance of Caitlin Clark, the relentless interior force of Aliyah Boston, and a lights-out shooting night from their supporting cast, Indiana delivered a record-breaking performance that stamped their place as legitimate title contenders.
The victory didn’t just improve their standing in the playoff race—it shattered a longstanding franchise record for most points scored in a regular-season game, previously set at 100 points in a double-overtime win back in 2012. But this time, the record came in regulation—and it came with style.
Even more significant? The Fever did it on national television against a Dallas Wings team led by former UConn star Paige Bueckers, whose rookie season has drawn nearly as much attention as Clark’s. Bueckers was held to just 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting, as Indiana’s defense smothered her and disrupted Dallas’ rhythm from the opening tip.
Clark, who has been at the center of a WNBA ratings explosion in 2025, was nearly flawless. She finished the game with 29 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, putting together another signature outing that thrilled a sold-out crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. From her logo-range threes to her pinpoint passes in transition, Clark operated with the poise of a seasoned veteran and the spark of a generational talent.
“I just love winning,” Clark said postgame. “I know the hype around games like this, but our team is focused on being great every night. This wasn’t about me versus Paige—it was about Indiana Fever basketball showing up in every way.”
Aliyah Boston chipped in 21 points and 10 rebounds, bullying the Wings’ frontcourt and controlling the paint. She connected on several pick-and-roll plays with Clark, showing off the chemistry that’s made the Fever one of the league’s most dynamic young duos. Boston’s ability to dominate inside opened up the perimeter for Indiana’s sharpshooters, who collectively shot 14-of-28 from three-point range.
NaLyssa Smith was also huge in the win, tallying 17 points and 9 boards. Her mid-range game stretched Dallas’ defense, giving Indiana a triple-headed scoring attack that the Wings had no answer for.
“It’s what we’ve been working toward,” said head coach Christie Sides. “This group is tough, young, and fearless. They’re playing for each other. We didn’t come into this season just to compete—we came to win.”
The blowout win adds to what has already been a season of resurgence for the Fever. After years of missing the playoffs and struggling to find an identity, the franchise now finds itself not just relevant—but dangerous. Indiana is currently riding a five-game winning streak, their longest in more than a decade, and they’ve climbed into the top four in the league standings. The Fever’s average margin of victory during this stretch? Over 12 points per game.
And they’re doing it with balance. While Clark often draws headlines, the team’s depth has emerged as one of its biggest strengths. Kelsey Mitchell, who added 13 points off the bench against the Wings, continues to shine in her role as a scoring spark plug. Erica Wheeler, the veteran guard, added stability in the second unit, dishing out five assists and playing lock-down defense on Bueckers in stretches.
“We trust each other,” Mitchell said. “No one is worried about stats—we’re worried about wins. That’s what’s special about this team.”
The defensive side of the ball was arguably even more impressive than the offensive fireworks. Indiana forced 17 Dallas turnovers and held them to just 41% shooting from the field. Bueckers, who has been averaging over 18 points per game, found herself frustrated and swarmed all night, unable to get into her usual flow.
“I give them credit,” Bueckers said afterward. “They’re a really good team. They’ve got size, speed, and energy on both ends of the floor. It wasn’t our night.”
For Dallas, the loss marks their third straight, and injuries haven’t helped. They were without standout forward Satou Sabally, who’s been nursing a knee injury, and center Teaira McCowan struggled to stay out of foul trouble against Boston. Despite the setback, the Wings remain in the playoff hunt, though questions are starting to mount about their defensive consistency and lack of ball movement without Sabally on the court.
The Clark vs. Bueckers dynamic drew enormous national attention, as expected. Both players were college superstars who helped redefine the visibility of women’s basketball, and their first professional head-to-head meeting was promoted like a heavyweight fight. But on this night, Clark and the Fever were simply in another gear.
“This is just the beginning,” Clark said. “We know there’s a lot more work to do, but nights like this remind us what we’re capable of.”
As the crowd chanted “M-V-P!” while Clark walked off the court, it was clear that Indiana is not just enjoying a short-term buzz. The Fever are building something sustainable—a new era led by players who are not only stars but unselfish leaders.
The 2025 WNBA season has seen a remarkable shift in league-wide competitiveness and attention. With multiple teams showcasing high-end talent and fan engagement surging, the Fever are capitalizing on the moment better than almost anyone. Their ticket sales are up 200% from last season, and nearly every home game has sold out since Clark’s arrival.
That momentum is translating to the court in ways that go far beyond hype. Indiana leads the league in assists per game and ranks second in three-point shooting percentage. Their defensive metrics have improved across the board, and their pace has overwhelmed many slower, more veteran-led teams.
The win over Dallas wasn’t just about hitting a statistical milestone—it was about asserting dominance and showing that the Fever are a legitimate force. And they did so with flare, humility, and precision.
One particularly memorable stretch came in the third quarter, when Indiana exploded for a 15-2 run fueled by three straight Clark assists—one behind-the-back dime to Boston in the paint, a skip pass to Mitchell for a corner three, and a no-look bullet to Smith on a cut. It was basketball art in motion, and Dallas had no answers.
The crowd roared, and the Fever never looked back.
With the All-Star break approaching, the Fever are peaking at the perfect time. Clark is likely to enter the weekend as the league’s leading vote-getter. Boston is a lock for her second straight All-Star nod. Smith, Mitchell, and even reserve forward Victaria Saxton are making cases for recognition.
But beyond accolades, what the Fever are chasing is respect—and ultimately, postseason success.
“This team was counted out for years,” said coach Sides. “Now we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to keep pushing. We’re going to keep proving.”
That statement rings truer than ever after a win like this. Indiana’s 102-point explosion wasn’t just a new franchise benchmark. It was a message to the entire league: the Fever are not a future contender—they are a now contender. And if they keep playing like this, the WNBA may have to run through Indianapolis before the summer is over.
