Back
Sports

WNBA Season Opener: Dallas Wings Defeat Indiana Fever 107-104

Generated on: Last updated: 4 sources
View source

Dallas Wings Edge Indiana Fever in Historic 107-104 Thriller

The game was the first in WNBA history where both teams scored more than 100 points.

The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever 107-104 in the WNBA season opener on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The teams exchanged leads 11 times throughout the contest.

Game Progression

Dallas led by nine points at halftime. The game was tied at 80 entering the fourth quarter.

With 9:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, Aziaha James made a four-point play (made three-pointer plus a free throw) to give Dallas an 84-82 lead. The Wings did not trail after that play. With 35 seconds left, Odyssey Sims scored to give Dallas a five-point lead.

In the final 10 seconds, Indiana had two chances to tie the game. With seven seconds remaining and the Fever trailing by three, Caitlin Clark attempted a three-pointer that rimmed out. After Paige Bueckers missed two free throws, Kelsey Mitchell missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Player Statistics

Indiana Fever

  • Kelsey Mitchell: 30 points
  • Aliyah Boston: 23 points
  • Caitlin Clark: 20 points (7-of-18 shooting), 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 turnovers

Dallas Wings

  • Arike Ogunbowale: 22 points
  • Paige Bueckers: 20 points (8-of-10 shooting), 4 assists, 1 turnover
  • Odyssey Sims: 20 points
  • Azzi Fudd: 3 points in 18 minutes

Shooting Percentages and Key Stats

  • Dallas shot 59% from the field and 52% from three-point range (12 of 23).
  • Indiana shot 52% from the field and 29% from three-point range.
  • Dallas outscored Indiana 25-12 in transition.

Player Health and Officiating

Caitlin Clark briefly left the court in the third quarter for a back adjustment and was observed wearing back support during bench stints. Coach Stephanie White stated Clark was not at 100% health but was cleared to play 30 minutes. Clark acknowledged starting slowly due to first-game anxiety.

The WNBA's new emphasis on freedom of movement resulted in 53 total fouls (28 on Wings, 25 on Fever). Coach White supported the emphasis while noting inconsistency. Players Arike Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims acknowledged the need to adapt to the stricter officiating.

Upcoming Games

  • Dallas: Hosts Atlanta on Tuesday.
  • Indiana: Visits Los Angeles on Wednesday.
  • The teams will play again on August 14.