Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings earned another win, 88-77, improving their record to 14-8, this time against the New York Liberty. The Wings guard had an all-around effort with 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. On the other hand, the Indiana Fever lost their matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks, 92-106, as Caitlin Clark returned after her back issues. This led ESPN analyst Harry Douglas to make a bold statement on his show.
On ESPN Radio, Douglas expressed his thoughts on the Wings’ latest win, in which four starters scored in double digits, and hailed Bueckers for making the team better. He said:
“It’s so funny to me how a season ago you were the worst team in the league, you add one player, the confidence and the morale around the entire team is different for 2026, and now they have the fourth best record. But Paige Bueckers, I am sorry to say it, folks, But everything we expected Caitlin Clark to be, Paige Bueckers has been in the WNBA, you heard it from me.”
Though she contributed to the game in various ways, Paige Bueckers had a rough night shooting the ball, making just five of 15 shots from the field. Meanwhile, Jessica Shepard took up the offensive duties with a triple-double: 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. The team looks comfortable with each other and has multiple talented hands who can bring them out of any difficult run during a game.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark was on a minutes restriction and played just 16 minutes to score nine points, shooting just 4-12 from the field and 1-6 from deep. Moreover, Aliyah Boston’s absence hurt the Fever’s chances.
Paige Bueckers’ Growth Is Fueling The New WNBA Rivalry
Paige Bueckers has looked completely different this season with better players in the lineup and her long-time teammate and off-court partner, Azzi Fudd, beside her. She is averaging better numbers than her Rookie of the Year season, and that has fueled her rivalry with Caitlin Clark.
Meanwhile, the two have only had respect for each other off the court. They also shared a moment during their Team USA stint.
Given Clark’s woes on and off the court, fans are loving what Bueckers is bringing to the table, as she was the top-voted player in the 2026 WNBA All-Stars. Fans are waiting for them to be on the court together again, as the two teams’ season-opening matchup ended in a loss for Caitlin Clark and Co.
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