In a thrilling WNBA showdown on August 1, 2025, the Indiana Fever proved they’re more than just Caitlin Clark. With their star rookie sidelined by a groin injury, the Fever stepped up in a big way to earn a solid 88–78 win over the struggling Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center.
Despite a late push by the Wings, Indiana’s well-rounded performance and strong rebounding gave them the edge-and their fourth consecutive win in the process.
Fever’s Team Effort Steals the Show
Kelsey Mitchell was electric, dropping 23 points to lead all scorers. She was backed by an impressive supporting cast:
- Aliyah Boston recorded a strong double-double (16 PTS, 11 REB)
- Natasha Howard dominated the paint with 14 points and 13 rebounds
- Aari McDonald added 15 points off the bench, providing a vital scoring boost in Clark’s absence
The Fever pulled away early, building a 13-point lead by the third quarter and withstanding Dallas’ late-game run with a clutch 5–0 finish to shut the door.
Wings Falter Again as Struggles Continue
The Dallas Wings are now 8-21 on the season, having lost 8 of their last 10 games. Despite Paige Bueckers’ standout performance (22 points, 4 assists, 2 steals), the Wings struggled on both ends:
- Just 2-for-15 from 3-point range
- Lost the rebound battle 44-30
- Only 4 offensive rebounds compared to Indiana’s 14
The chemistry issues were noticeable, especially as Arike Ogunbowale failed to get into rhythm and Maddy Siegrist remained out due to a knee injury.
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Injury Watch: Clark & Siegrist
- Caitlin Clark missed her 15th game of the season due to groin soreness. Though her absence was precautionary, her return date is still uncertain.
- Maddy Siegrist has been upgraded to “questionable” in future games but is still under evaluation. Dallas is eager for her return to help stretch the floor and relieve scoring pressure.
Key Stats Summary
| Team | Score | FG% | 3P% | Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever | 88 | 47% | 36% | 44 | 13 |
| Dallas Wings | 78 | 41% | 13% | 30 | 12 |
Our Take: Depth > Dependence
The Fever’s resilience without Clark was the biggest takeaway. The squad looked cohesive, confident, and dangerous-even when missing their biggest star. That’s a warning sign to the rest of the league: this team is growing fast.
On the other hand, Dallas seems lost without a clear game plan. The Wings continue to rely too heavily on individual talent rather than team execution, and it’s costing them wins and fan support. With playoffs drifting further out of reach, urgency is now a must.
What’s Next?
- Fever (15-12): Continue their road trip with growing confidence. If Clark returns soon, Indiana could make a strong playoff push.
- Wings (8-21): Desperate for a turnaround, the Wings need Siegrist’s return and must fix rebounding and spacing issues quickly.
Final Thoughts
Even without Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever are finding their identity-and that’s scary for the rest of the WNBA. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings’ slump continues, with questions growing louder around leadership and depth.
Can Dallas bounce back before it’s too late? Or will the Fever continue to rise as one of the W’s most complete squads? Time-and defense-will tell.
