Two of the best young players in the WNBA today are Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.
Their matchup was hyped last season, but they only played against each other once due to Clark’s injuries on July 13 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Clark had 14 points, three rebounds, 15 assists and five steals, while Bueckers put up 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Fever dominated the game, earning a 102-83 victory.
Paige Bueckers Tops Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson on WNBA GM Survey
GettyPaige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Minnesota Lynx in the first quarter at Target Center on September 01, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Wings 96-71.
The WNBA released its annual GM survey on Tuesday. Some of the poll questions include WNBA Finals prediction, individual awards and more.
In regards to questions about players, general managers were asked, “If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?”
Paige Bueckers came in first with 33.0% of the total votes, followed by Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, who both had 20.0% each. Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm was fourth at 13.0%, while Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier also received votes.
Clark topped last year’s survey, garnering 50.0% of the votes.
It was a surprising decision by the GMs, though Clark missing 31 games last season didn’t help her case. Availability is an important aspect, with Bueckers playing in 36 contests last year.
As for Wilson, she’s coming off her fourth MVP and third championship win. The GMs also predicted her to win this year’s MVP, while the Las Vegas Aces are voted to repeat and win their fourth title in five years.
Caitlin Clark Looking Forward to Season Opener Against Paige Bueckers
GettyCaitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts after a play during the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 28, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Fever are set to open the season at home and welcome the Wings on May 9.
Speaking to Athlon Sports’ Kyle Wood, Caitlin Clark opened up about facing Paige Bueckers and the Wings.
“Obviously, the talent level that has been coming in, and I think it should be a really great game,” Clark said. “We played in the preseason. Obviously, that’s completely different, but I expect our arena to be a really loud, fun environment. There’s nothing really like a Saturday home game during the summer, so I expect a lot of loud fans, and so it should be a really great game, and I’m expecting a close one, too.”
The game will feature the last four No. 1 picks of the draft: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. The Wings defeated the Fever 95-80 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last week in their preseason matchup.
Bueckers had 20 points and three assists, while Clark scored 21 points and dished four assists. The Fever star also suffered a leg injury in the third quarter, though it wasn’t serious.
Paige Bueckers Tops Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson as WNBA GMs’ Top Cornerstone