Dallas Wings Edge Out Indiana Fever in Thrilling 81-80 Victory

On August 12, 2025, the Dallas Wings (8-24) stunned the Indiana Fever (18-14) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, ending a five-game losing streak and preventing the Fever from sweeping the season. The game, broadcast on ESPN, showcased standout performances, dramatic momentum swings, and a fierce comeback attempt by the home team that fell just short. Below is a comprehensive recap of the game, including key stats, highlights, and analysis, based on the latest updates.

Game Summary

The Wings got off to a strong start, leveraging a balanced attack led by rookie sensation Paige Bueckers’ playmaking and Maddy Siegrist’s sharpshooting. Dallas forced Indiana to shoot a dismal 4-for-13 in the first quarter, securing a 23-15 lead. The Fever, however, found their rhythm in the second quarter, tying the game at 42-42 by halftime behind Kelsey Mitchell’s 12 points and Aliyah Boston’s eight points and four rebounds.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Dallas unleashed a 19-0 run over the final five minutes, turning a three-point Fever lead into a 12-point Wings advantage (67-55). Indiana struggled offensively, with only Chloe Bibby making a field goal during that span. Despite this, the Fever mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, going on a 14-0 run to cut the deficit to one point with 33 seconds left on a Kelsey Mitchell layup. With the game on the line, Paige Bueckers’ midrange shot missed, giving Indiana a final chance. However, Mitchell’s heavily contested buzzer-beater bounced off the backboard, sealing the 81-80 victory for Dallas.

Key Performances

Dallas Wings

Maddy Siegrist: Set a new career high with three three-pointers, tying her career-best 22 points and adding five rebounds. Her shooting was critical in maintaining Dallas’ lead.
Li Yueru: Delivered a career-high 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-6 from three, and grabbed four rebounds. Her trey in the third quarter extended the Wings’ lead significantly.
Paige Bueckers: Contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and a game-high eight assists. Despite a 6-for-19 shooting night, her playmaking and clutch moments were vital.
Myisha Hines-Allen: Added eight points, six rebounds, and nine assists off the bench, showcasing her versatility.
Team Stats: Dallas shot 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from three, with 25 assists on 30 made field goals. They capitalized on Indiana’s 17 turnovers while committing only 10.

Indiana Fever

Kelsey Mitchell: Led all scorers with 24 points, including 4-of-7 from three, six rebounds, and two assists. Her layup with 33 seconds left brought the Fever within one, but her final shot missed.
Aliyah Boston: Recorded 14 points and five rebounds, continuing her strong play despite the loss.
Natasha Howard: Posted 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for a double-double, anchoring Indiana’s interior presence.
Chloe Bibby: Scored 11 points off the bench, including 3-of-3 from three, providing a spark in limited minutes.
Odyssey Sims: Made her Fever debut after signing a hardship contract due to injuries to Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald. Sims played 13 minutes, going 0-for-4 but adding two assists.
Team Stats: Indiana shot 44.4% from the field and 40.9% from three but struggled with 17 turnovers compared to Dallas’ 10. They outrebounded the Wings 39-30.

Notable Moments

Early Dominance: Dallas’ defense stifled Indiana in the first quarter, holding them to 28.6% shooting while building an eight-point lead.
Fever’s Second-Quarter Surge: Indiana’s 17-8 run in the final five minutes of the second quarter erased a double-digit deficit, tying the game at halftime.
Wings’ Third-Quarter Run: A 19-0 spurt, fueled by Li Yueru’s three-pointer and contributions from Bueckers and Hines-Allen, gave Dallas a commanding lead.
Fever’s Final Push: Indiana’s 14-0 fourth-quarter run showcased their resilience, but Mitchell’s missed buzzer-beater ended their comeback hopes.
Injury Impact: The Fever were without star Caitlin Clark, who missed her 11th straight game with a right groin injury. Dallas also missed Arike Ogunbowale, out with an injury, but Maddy Siegrist’s return from a month-long absence bolstered their lineup.

Injury Report

Dallas Wings: Arike Ogunbowale (G) was out but expected to return by August 15. Tyasha Harris (G) remains out for the season. Maddy Siegrist returned from a knee injury, providing a significant boost.
Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark (G) missed her 11th consecutive game with a right groin injury. Sydney Colson (G) and Aari McDonald (G) are out for the season with an ACL injury and foot injury, respectively, prompting the signing of Odyssey Sims.

Game Context

This game marked the fourth and final regular-season matchup between the Fever and Wings in 2025. Indiana had dominated the series, winning the first three games: 94-86 on June 28, 102-83 on July 13, and 88-78 on August 1. The Wings’ victory on August 12 prevented a season sweep and highlighted their potential when healthy, with Siegrist’s return proving pivotal.

The Fever, despite the loss, remain in fifth place in the WNBA playoff standings with an 18-15 record, while the Wings’ 8-24 mark leaves them 12th in the league, with slim playoff hopes. Indiana’s 17 turnovers and third-quarter collapse were critical factors in the loss, impacting their playoff seeding aspirations.

Looking Ahead

The Fever will face the Washington Mystics on August 15, aiming to rebound from this setback and solidify their playoff position. The Wings, buoyed by this win and Siegrist’s return, will look to build momentum as they face long odds for a postseason berth. Both teams continue to navigate significant injuries, with Indiana particularly hampered by Clark’s absence.

Conclusion

The Dallas Wings’ 81-80 triumph over the Indiana Fever was a testament to their resilience and depth, even without key players like Arike Ogunbowale. Maddy Siegrist and Li Yueru stepped up with career performances, while Paige Bueckers’ all-around play kept Dallas in control. For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell’s heroics nearly stole the game, but their turnover issues and third-quarter struggles proved too much to overcome. This thrilling contest underscored the unpredictable nature of the WNBA and set the stage for both teams’ final push toward the playoffs.