STWF Sports | INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. | April 30, 2026 — A new era tipped off in emphatic fashion as the Dallas Wings opened their 2026 preseason with a commanding 95-80 road victory over the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Impact of the Dallas Wings’ Performance
In their first game under head coach Jose Fernandez, the Wings showcased a blend of offensive efficiency, defensive intensity, and depth that overwhelmed Indiana for much of the night. Dallas improved to 1-0 in preseason play, while the Fever dropped to 1-1.
Leading the charge was reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, who delivered a sharp and efficient performance. The guard poured in 20 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Bueckers added two rebounds, three assists, and a steal, setting the tone early and often for Dallas.
Fourth-year forward Maddy Siegrist complemented Bueckers with a dominant effort on the glass, recording a double-double with 18 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Her presence inside helped Dallas control the paint and generate second-chance opportunities throughout the contest.
Off the bench, Aziaha James provided a spark with 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a team-best four steals. The second-year guard’s two-way impact was reflected in her +19 plus-minus, underscoring her influence during key stretches of the game.
As a team, the Wings were highly efficient offensively, shooting 51.4 percent from the field while holding Indiana to 40 percent shooting. Dallas also dominated the rebounding battle, outrebounding the Fever 45-26, and controlled the interior with a 50-30 advantage in points in the paint.
The Wings’ transition game proved equally effective, outscoring Indiana 21-9 on the fast break and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities by a 13-4 margin. At the free-throw line, Dallas converted 15 of 17 attempts (88.2 percent), while the Fever struggled to maximize their opportunities, finishing 28-of-42 (66.7 percent).
Indiana was led by Caitlin Clark, who scored 21 points in 16 minutes, along with four assists. Mikayla Timpson added 11 points off the bench, and Kelsey Mitchell contributed 10 points to round out the Fever’s double-digit scorers.
The game began with Dallas jumping out to a quick 5-1 lead behind early scoring from Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Indiana responded with a 13-4 run to take control midway through the first quarter, but the Wings closed strong to trim the deficit to 29-25 after one.
Dallas seized momentum in the second quarter, delivering a decisive 13-2 run that flipped the game. Bueckers, Siegrist, and James each contributed during the surge, helping the Wings build a double-digit lead. A subsequent 15-5 run extended the margin to 17 points, forcing Indiana into multiple timeouts.
By halftime, Dallas had established a 61-46 advantage, fueled by a dominant second quarter in which the Wings shot 72.2 percent from the field while limiting the Fever to just 21.4 percent shooting.
The Wings maintained control through the third quarter, pushing their lead to as many as 23 points before Indiana mounted a brief rally late in the period. The Fever’s 13-2 run trimmed the deficit to 12 entering the fourth, but Dallas responded with composure.
In the final quarter, the Wings weathered Indiana’s push and closed out the game with balanced scoring. James and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu each contributed six points in the period, helping secure the 15-point victory.
Beyond the final score, the performance offered an early glimpse into Dallas’ potential. The combination of perimeter scoring, interior presence, and defensive activity highlighted a team capable of competing at a high level.
The Wings will conclude their preseason slate on Sunday, May 3, when they host the Las Vegas Aces at the Moody Center in Austin. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, with the game set to air nationally on ION.
For Dallas, Thursday’s opener was more than just a preseason win — it was a statement of intent, signaling that the foundation for a promising 2026 campaign is already taking shape.
