Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers added another memorable moment to their growing on-court rivalry Thursday night, this time in the closing seconds of the first half of Dallas’ eventual 91-85 win over Indiana.
With less than 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Clark controlled the ball as Bueckers played defense. Bueckers then wrapped up Clark’s left arm in an effort to stop the possession before halftime. The Wings notably had a foul to give at the time.
Clark appeared frustrated by the contact as Bueckers continued trying to complete the foul. Clark then reacted and fired the ball down the court, with it sailing near Bueckers’ head before the two teams headed to the locker room.
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Paige Bueckers (5) of the Dallas Wings drives to the basket against the Indiana Fever at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2026. (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
The moment sparked a brief exchange between the two star guards, though television microphones did not clearly pick up what was said.
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Bueckers was whistled for a common foul on the play, but the tension seemed to carry into the second half. She was later assessed a technical foul after arguing with an official following a separate foul on Clark in the third quarter.
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 37 points, while Clark finished with a team-high nine assists. For Dallas, Arike Ogunbowale scored a team-best 32 points, and Bueckers added eight assists.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers attempts a shot as Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark defends during the first half at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2026. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)
Just last week, the Fever and Wings squared off, with Clark and Bueckers delivering matching 29-point performances. Indiana ultimately pulled away for a 98-87 victory, but Clark came away impressed with the Dallas star.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) greet each other before the opening tip at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2026. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)
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“Obviously, she’s an incredible player. [She] makes it really hard on us defensively… Paige is a tremendous player,” Clark told reporters during a postgame media availability. “She takes what the defense gives her; she doesn’t force anything; she’s smooth; she finds the open teammate. So she’s just a really tough guard.”
