STWF Sports | INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. | May 9, 2026 — The new era of the Dallas Wings officially arrived Saturday afternoon in dramatic fashion.

Dallas Wings Rise to the Challenge

Behind explosive offensive performances from Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers and Odyssey Sims, the Wings survived a furious late comeback attempt from the Indiana Fever to secure a thrilling 107-104 victory inside a sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The nationally televised season opener marked the first regular-season victory of the Jose Fernandez era and immediately delivered one of the most entertaining games of the young WNBA season.

The matchup featured elite guard play, momentum swings, highlight-reel scoring runs and playoff-level intensity from opening tip to the final possession.

Dallas finished the game shooting a blistering 59.1 percent from the floor and 52.2 percent from three-point range, producing one of the most efficient offensive performances in franchise history.

The Wings’ 59.1 percent shooting performance marked the second-best field goal percentage ever recorded by a WNBA team in a season opener.

Ogunbowale led the way with 22 points and five assists in her return after missing the final portion of last season due to injury. The franchise’s all-time leading scorer immediately looked back in rhythm, knocking down difficult perimeter shots and repeatedly answering Indiana runs throughout the game.

Bueckers opened her sophomore campaign with another poised performance, finishing with 20 points, four assists and several clutch baskets late in the fourth quarter.

The former Rookie of the Year consistently attacked the paint, created offense in transition and showcased a growing confidence in late-game situations.

At one point during the third quarter, Bueckers calmly backed down Fever defenders in the post before finishing through contact, further displaying her evolving offensive versatility.

Sims may have provided the game’s biggest spark.

The veteran guard poured in 20 points while repeatedly changing the pace of the game in transition. Sims hit key three-pointers early, forced turnovers defensively and consistently attacked Indiana before the Fever defense could get set.

Her transition basket late in the fourth quarter pushed Dallas ahead by two possessions and ultimately proved critical in securing the victory.

Dallas also received major contributions from Jessica Shepard and rookie Aziaha James.

Shepard finished just shy of a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while controlling much of the offense from the interior.

James delivered one of the biggest moments of the game early in the fourth quarter when she drilled a four-point play opportunity over Kelsey Mitchell to help Dallas regain momentum after Indiana briefly took the lead.

The Fever, however, refused to go away.

Kelsey Mitchell erupted for 30 points and repeatedly punished Dallas with difficult shot-making throughout the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston added 23 points while dominating stretches inside the paint. Boston repeatedly created second-chance opportunities and nearly carried Indiana to a late comeback victory.

Caitlin Clark added 20 points and seven assists but struggled with turnovers and foul trouble at key moments.

Dallas’ defensive pressure clearly disrupted Clark early.

The Wings forced five first-half steals while repeatedly pressuring Indiana’s guards in transition and forcing difficult decisions offensively.

Still, Clark nearly delivered a signature comeback moment late in the game.

After helping erase much of Dallas’ fourth-quarter lead, Clark had a chance to tie the game with a deep three-pointer in the final seconds, but the attempt rimmed out before Kelsey Mitchell’s final desperation shot also missed as time expired.

The game itself became historic.

Saturday marked the first season opener in WNBA history in which both teams scored at least 100 points.

The atmosphere inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse reflected the significance of the moment. A sold-out crowd of 17,274 created a postseason-like environment throughout the afternoon as both teams traded runs and highlight plays in front of a national television audience.

Most importantly for Dallas, the victory immediately validated much of the excitement surrounding the franchise entering 2026.

The Wings displayed elite shot-making, offensive depth, pace and chemistry while earning a difficult road victory against one of the league’s top contenders.

Now, Dallas returns home carrying significant momentum ahead of Tuesday’s home opener against the Atlanta Dream at College Park Center.

If Saturday’s opener served as any indication, the Wings may quickly emerge as one of the WNBA’s most entertaining — and dangerous — teams this season