Wings-Fever takeaways: Dallas ready to take flight; Caitlin Clark wows

Clark was at it again three minutes into the third quarter, drawing three defenders with a drive to the basket before going behind-the-back to Myisha Hines-Allen, who finished the easy layup.

Clark's ability to run an offense is a sight to behold. Even if her shot isn't falling, she's worth the price of admission for her passing alone.

Wings offense takes flight

It only took one game to see what a difference the offseason made in Dallas, which could be one of the league's most improved teams this season. The Wings shot a blistering 59.1 percent (39-of-66), including 52.2 percent (12-of-23) on three-point attempts.

The ball movement under first-year coach Jose Fernandez was impressive. After averaging 20.6 assists per game last season, the Wings had 26 in Saturday's win. 

The following play highlights the commitment to the extra pass. Forward Jessica Shepard set a screen for guard Paige Bueckers, who passed to forward Alanna Smith to get out of a double team. Smith sent the ball to Shepard along the baseline and cut to the rim, getting the ball back before kicking out guard Arike Ogunbowale, who drained the open three.

Coming from the college ranks at South Florida, it was anyone's guess how Fernandez's coaching would translate to the pros. Saturday was only one game, but it was one heck of an introduction.

Aliyah Boston has another level

Clark's the headliner, but Boston might be the Fever's best player. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick had a great 2025 season, finishing sixth in MVP voting, and looks primed to be an even bigger factor in Year 4.

One fourth-quarter sequence showcased her all-around game, with Boston starting by denying 6-foot-7 Wings center Li Yueru in the paint, grabbing the rebound and taking the ball the other way before finishing with a layup to give Indiana a two-point lead. 

Boston had 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, four rebounds, three steals and a block in just 26 minutes. Good things happen with the ball in her hands, such as when she took a feed from Boston and fired a quick bounce pass inside to a cutting Kelsey Mitchell for two.

If Saturday is a sign of things to come, Boston has another level to her game ready to be unleashed.

Wings' big free agency already paying off

Dallas took things slow with 2026 No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, who came off the bench and played 18 minutes, making one of her two three-point attempts. The same couldn't be said for veteran free-agent signings, including Shepard, Smith and guard Odyssey Sims.

Shepard tied Bueckers for the team-high in minutes (32), finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Smith had a modest six points, but the 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year added two steals and a block, while Sims gave the Wings three 20-point scorers, going 8-of-11 for 20 points.

With a generational talent in Bueckers, the Wings are fully intent on maximizing their potential. Saturday showed Dallas may have spent wisely as it aims to quickly contend with its star guard.

Defenses need work

From a viewership standpoint, Saturday's season opener was everything a subjective fan could have hoped it would be. The same likely can't be said for both coaches, who have plenty to correct on defense. As promising as both offenses were, Fernandez and Fever coach Stephanie White can't be happy with their teams' inability to get stops. For Dallas and Indiana to go deep this year, it's going to take more defense than what they put on tape Saturday. Consider that the next step in the Wings and Fever's evolution.