The WNBA’s opening weekend tip-off continued on Saturday with the largest sport of the weekend.
The Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever met in a sport that includes the previous 4 No. 1 WNBA Draft picks, an exciting 107-104 Wings win. Beneath are 5 takeaways from the high-scoring affair.
Caitlin Clark’s passing remains to be out of this world
Throughout an in any other case spectacular offensive displaying from the Fever, Clark struggled at 7-of-18 capturing, together with simply 2-of-9 from past the arc. Because the 2024 Rookie of the 12 months rediscovers her stroke, Clark can depend on her elite passing to set teammates up with beauty.
Late within the first half, Indiana tied the sport at 48 when Clark sidearmed a move to teammate Aliyah Boston within the publish, slinging it between two defenders.
Clark was at it once more three minutes into the third quarter, drawing three defenders with a drive to the basket earlier than going behind-the-back to Myisha Hines-Allen, who completed the simple layup.
Clark’s potential to run an offense is a sight to behold. Even when her shot is not falling, she’s well worth the value of admission for her passing alone.
Wings offense takes flight
It solely took one sport to see what a distinction the offseason made in Dallas, which may very well be one of many league’s most improved groups this season. The Wings shot a blistering 59.1 % (39-of-66), together with 52.2 % (12-of-23) on three-point makes an attempt.
The ball motion underneath first-year coach Jose Fernandez was spectacular. After averaging 20.6 assists per sport final season, the Wings had 26 in Saturday’s win.
The next play highlights the dedication to the additional move. Ahead Jessica Shepard set a display for guard Paige Bueckers, who handed to ahead Alanna Smith to get out of a double workforce. Smith despatched the ball to Shepard alongside the baseline and minimize to the rim, getting the ball again earlier than kicking out guard Arike Ogunbowale, who drained the open three.
Coming from the faculty ranks at South Florida, it was anybody’s guess how Fernandez’s teaching would translate to the professionals. Saturday was just one sport, nevertheless it was one heck of an introduction.
Aliyah Boston has one other degree
Clark’s the headliner, however Boston is perhaps the Fever’s finest participant. The 2023 No. 1 general decide had an amazing 2025 season, ending sixth in MVP voting, and appears primed to be a fair larger consider 12 months 4.
One fourth-quarter sequence showcased her all-around sport, with Boston beginning by denying 6-foot-7 Wings middle Li Yueru within the paint, grabbing the rebound and taking the ball the opposite method earlier than ending with a layup to provide Indiana a two-point lead.
Boston had 23 factors on 9-of-14 capturing, 4 rebounds, three steals and a block in simply 26 minutes. Good issues occur with the ball in her arms, equivalent to when she took a feed from Boston and fired a fast bounce move inside to a chopping Kelsey Mitchell for 2.
If Saturday is an indication of issues to return, Boston has one other degree to her sport able to be unleashed.
Wings’ large free company already paying off
Dallas took issues sluggish with 2026 No. 1 general decide Azzi Fudd, who got here off the bench and performed 18 minutes, making one among her two three-point makes an attempt. The identical could not be mentioned for veteran free-agent signings, together with Shepard, Smith and guard Odyssey Sims.
Shepard tied Bueckers for the team-high in minutes (32), ending with 13 factors, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and two steals. Smith had a modest six factors, however the 2025 Co-Defensive Participant of the 12 months added two steals and a block, whereas Sims gave the Wings three 20-point scorers, going 8-of-11 for 20 factors.
With a generational expertise in Bueckers, the Wings are totally intent on maximizing their potential. Saturday confirmed Dallas could have spent correctly because it goals to rapidly deal with its star guard.
Defenses want work
From a viewership standpoint, Saturday’s season opener was the whole lot a subjective fan might have hoped it will be. The identical possible cannot be mentioned for each coaches, who’ve lots to right on protection. As promising as each offenses have been, Fernandez and Fever coach Stephanie White cannot be proud of their groups’ incapability to get stops. For Dallas and Indiana to go deep this 12 months, it’ll take extra protection than what they placed on tape Saturday. Take into account that the following step within the Wings and Fever’s evolution.
