Image Credit - Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“We’ve Always Been Friends” – Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers Share Mutual Respect After First WNBA Matchup

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers finally met on the WNBA stage, delivering a memorable game

Image Credit - Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Saturday saw Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers face off for the first time in their professional careers, marking a marquee WNBA matchup. The two were full of praise for each after the match concluded in the favor of the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.

Both Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark had a high impact on the game on Saturday. Though Clark continued to struggle with her shooting, she made up for it through excellent playmaking and link-up sequences. Clark finished with 14 points and dished out 13 assists, proving her value in ways beyond just scoring.

I’m sorry but this pass is fucking ridiculous!!! The placement?!! INSANE!! Ain’t no passer like you Caitlin Clark!! pic.twitter.com/ogyze7Tzav
— Melissa🌻 (@Msmelissairene) July 13, 2025

On the Paige Bueckers matchup, Clark said, “She’s always just been smooth, she takes what the game gives her, her middy has always been as nice as it’s been this year. She just plays way older than she is. She’s confident. That’s just how she’s always played. That’s obviously translated really well, and everybody knew that it would.”

Clark added, “We’ve always been friends. I wouldn’t say that we’re best friends and talk all the time. It’s hard when you end up going your separate ways and are in different colleges and things like that. I’ve always been a fan of hers and always been supportive and watch as much as I can just because I love basketball and I love people that compete and make their team better.”

Clark, Bueckers Praise Each Other’s Game

Paige Bueckers ended the game against the Indiana Fever on a high, despite her team’s consistent struggles. The Wings’ guard registered 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. She struck 9 of 15 from the field. Bueckers also returned the favor, heaping praise on Caitlin Clark following their high-profile encounter.

Paige Bueckers said, “It’s fun any time we can compete against each other. We’re two competitors who just want to win and have grown up playing against each other, playing with each other, so it’s great. And the environment’s great here. I feel like every game is a sell-out, so they have a great home court advantage.”

Paige Bueckers steal from Caitlin Clark with the and-one against Sophie Cunningham on the other end… pic.twitter.com/4yINc4QF6w
— The Wings Bulletin (@WingsBulletin) July 13, 2025

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are one of the strong reasons behind the WNBA viewership this season. The duo’s impact extends off the court too, consistently drawing record-breaking crowds at arenas across the league. The highly anticipated rematch between Clark and Bueckers is slated for early next month at the American Airlines Center.