Caitlin Clark’s 28 points and 12 assists propel the Indiana Fever to a 100-93 win over the Dallas Wings, despite Arike Ogunbowale’s record-tying nine 3-pointers.
Bollywood Fever: Caitlin Clark‘s impressive performance lifted the Indiana Fever to a hard-fought 100-93 victory over the Dallas Wings on Sunday, overcoming a record-tying effort from Arike Ogunbowale, who drained nine 3-pointers in the game.
Clark, the star rookie, finished with 28 points and 12 assists, helping the Fever secure their sixth win in seven games since the Olympic break. Kelsey Mitchell also had a standout game, scoring 36 points, including a crucial 3-pointer that gave Indiana a four-point lead with 1:58 remaining.
Ogunbowale’s remarkable shooting display saw her hit 9 of 16 from beyond the arc, surpassing her previous career best of seven 3-pointers.
The All-Star Game MVP finished with 34 points and tied the WNBA record for most 3-pointers in a game, a record she now shares with Mitchell (2019) and Seattle’s Jewell Loyd (2023). Ogunbowale had two chances to break the record but missed both attempts in the final minute, including one with the Wings trailing by six points.
“I salute people like Arike because off the court, we’re really great friends,” Mitchell said after the game. “We tend to work out and train together in the offseason. I wasn’t expecting any other way coming from a person like that.”
Clark and Mitchell were lethal from long range, combining for 10 of Indiana’s 15 3-pointers. The Fever shot an impressive 50% from beyond the arc and 53% overall, showcasing their offensive firepower.
“When you have two guards that are both making plays, it puts the other team in the tough position of what to take away, who to put on who,” Clark said. “We’re definitely shooting it well. We’re playing off each other well. We’re looking for each other, and we’re getting downhill, too. I think it’s been a good balance of everything.”
The win pushes Indiana above .500 for the first time this season, solidifying their playoff position with a 17-16 record. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings, who had entered the game on a three-game winning streak, dropped to 9-23 and are now two games out of the final playoff spot with eight games remaining.
The Fever’s victory came despite a strong showing from Dallas’ Satou Sabally, who scored 25 points, and Natasha Howard, who added 18 points and nine assists. However, it was the Fever’s ability to capitalize on key moments that made the difference, particularly when Ogunbowale was called for a foul on Mitchell after making her eighth 3-pointer. The Wings challenged the call but lost, leading to a technical foul on Ogunbowale and a five-point possession for Indiana that cut their deficit to three points.
Mitchell later added two free throws after her crucial 3-pointer, helping the Fever score eight consecutive points to seal the victory.
Indiana now looks ahead to a six-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the last-place Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, as they continue their push toward the playoffs. Coach Christie Sides praised her team’s resilience, especially on the road, saying, “The confidence that they’re playing with, I’m proud of the road games. The road games have been tough. We just keep talking about momentum, keeping our foot on the gas.”
For the Wings, the loss was a setback in their playoff pursuit, but Ogunbowale’s performance was a reminder of her elite talent and the potential she brings to the team. As the regular season winds down, both teams will be looking to build on their strengths and secure their spots in the postseason.
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