Fever vs Wings: Caitlin Clark-less Fever get past Wings 94-86 in WNBA

Kelsey Mitchell's 32-point performance led the Indiana Fever to a 94-86 win against the Dallas Wings on Friday night, despite Caitlin Clark's absence due to injury. The Fever established an early dominance with a 22-point advantage in the opening quarter.

The anticipated matchup between consecutive No. 1 WNBA draft picks was disrupted by Clark's left groin injury. The game marked the Wings' debut at the NBA Dallas Mavericks' venue, featuring this year's top pick Paige Bueckers.



Bueckers contributed 27 points, including a crucial long-range shot before halftime, despite initial shooting struggles. The Wings managed to briefly lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23, but their poor first-quarter shooting at 26% proved costly. Arike Ogunbowale added 15 points for Dallas.

For the Fever, Aliyah Boston recorded 21 points, while Natasha Howard delivered 15 points, 13 rebounds and three steals. The team showcased exceptional efficiency, converting all 11 attempts inside the three-point line during the first quarter and maintaining 59% shooting throughout.


The American Airlines Center was nearly at capacity despite Clark's second consecutive absence. Notable attendees included the Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons, and NHL prospect Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' recent No. 1 draft selection.


The Wings briefly led at 80-79 following JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the final quarter. The Fever secured victory with a decisive 9-0 run, initiated by Aari McDonald's basket that broke an 82-82 deadlock.