The Indiana Fever staged one of the greatest comebacks in the 2025 WNBA season, coming back from a 23-point deficit to beat the Dallas Wings 94–86 before a record-breaking attendance at the American Airlines Center. In the absence of rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, the Fever displayed toughness, camaraderie, and game-winning play to quiet a deafening Dallas crowd of more than 20,000.
Mitchell’s Heroics Lead the Fever
With Caitlin Clark out for the second consecutive game with a left groin injury, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell took it upon herself to carry the load. She scored 32 points and had 7 assists, controlling both sides of the court and reminding the world that there is more to Indiana than one star.
Mitchell’s sharp shooting, fearless drives, and on-court leadership sparked the Fever’s turnaround after trailing 37–14 early in the second quarter. As soon as Indiana discovered its rhythm, Dallas had no response.
Paige Bueckers made a strong impression in her first WNBA home game, living up to the hype with a standout performance. She had 27 points, including a half-court buzzer-beater that left everyone in the arena cheering and even got NBA star Kyrie Irving, who was there and clearly impressed, watching.
Bueckers was dynamic all night, knocking down deep threes and attacking the lane with authority, but didn’t have enough help to close out the game when it was on the line.
Caitlin Clark’s Absence Felt but Not Fatal
Clark’s injury missed what would have been a headline matchup between the two most-hyped WNBA rookies of all time. Her status continues to be listed as day-to-day, but what Indiana showed without her is this: the Fever are capable of winning even without their superstar.
Her return will be crucial to building on that momentum, but this victory gives them confidence throughout the roster, demonstrating that they can play with anybody in the league.
Analysis: Fever Discover Identity Without Clark
Though Clark’s popularity is unquestioned and she’s a game-changer on the court, this win was about team identity. It illustrated head coach Christie Sides’ capacity to adapt and inspire her team in dire need. The Fever were quicker in transition, wiser with possessions, and calm under pressure in crunch time — an enormous adjustment from early-season travails.
This matchup could serve as a reality check for Dallas. Even with the hype surrounding Bueckers and the large home crowd, the Wings folded under pressure. They continue to struggle with closing out games and rebounding from momentum shifts, and fall to 4–13 on the year.
A Night of Firsts in Dallas
This game was also the inaugural WNBA game ever held at the American Airlines Center, home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. The event broke attendance records and showed that women’s basketball is not only increasing, but flourishing in Texas.
From viral buzzer-beaters to heroic performances and dramatic swings, this game hit on all cylinders – except the scoreboard for Dallas fans.
What’s Next?
The Fever move to 8–8, getting closer to a postseason berth in the East.
The Wings struggle on and need to reassess their fourth-quarter play and defensive collapses.
Everyone’s eye will be on Caitlin Clark’s rehabilitation, as everyone waits for her return to action.
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