Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark meeting up for the first time in the preseason delivered exactly what basketball fans wanted to see. There was a good pace to the game, a ton of shot-making, and stretches where both teams looked ready for the regular season.
The Dallas Wings ultimately pulled away from the Indiana Fever in a 95-80 win, but the game itself was filled with moments that quickly carried over to social media.
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Bueckers led Dallas with 20 points on efficient shooting, doing most of her damage early as the Wings built separation in the second quarter. Clark answered with 21 points for Indiana, getting to the line consistently and keeping the Fever within reach at times. It was a strong early look at two of the league’s most talked-about teams.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5).© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
A Teammate’s Highlight Sparks Bueckers’ Reaction
Not long after the final buzzer, Bueckers made her first postgame appearance online. Instead of focusing on her own performance, she reacted to a moment from teammate Aziaha James.
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James put together one of the most eye-catching plays of the night with a behind-the-back move on a drive to the basket. The sequence quickly made the rounds online, and Bueckers’ reaction summed it up in real time.
“EWWWWWWWWWW OMGGGG ZA,” she wrote.
It was a fun reaction that matched how the play looked on the floor. No breakdown needed. Just appreciation for a move that stood out.
Dallas Shows Early Offensive Rhythm
The Wings’ offense looked strong for long stretches. They shot over 50 percent from the field and created clean looks both in transition and in the half-court. Bueckers controlled the tempo and made quick reads, while Dallas got production across the roster.
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James finished with 17 points off the bench, giving the Wings a scoring boost beyond their starting group. That kind of depth showed up in the second quarter, when Dallas created separation that Indiana never fully erased.
Looking Ahead at What’s Next
For Bueckers, the performance was a continuation of what she showed as a rookie. Efficient scoring, control with the ball, and an ability to impact the game without forcing anything.
For fans, the bigger takeaway might be how quickly moments like James’ highlight travel. One play turned into a viral clip, then into a reaction from one of the league’s biggest stars.
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It is a small glimpse of where the league is right now. The talent is obvious. The personalities are showing. And the connection between players and fans is happening on a nightly basis.
Related: ESPN Facing Backlash Over Caitlin Clark Decision
Related: Paige Bueckers’ Change in Physical Appearance Draws Attention
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.