Paige Bueckers expressed her love for the “DeadShot” in her first words as a Dallas Wings player. “He’s been my favorite player for forever now,” Bueckers had said. Irving has been an inspiration to millions, being the walking highlight reel and an exceptional ball handler. His attractive brand of basketball and his connection to Dallas led them to the NBA finals in 2024 for the first time in 13 years.
That’s why it meant a lot when Irving pulled up to the American Airlines Center for their matchup against the Indiana Fever. Cameras caught the interaction, including the pair sharing a smile and hug just before warmups. Bueckers played with a level of determination beyond her other games and almost led a comeback against a Clark-less Fever side. Her buzzer-beater in the second quarter brought enthusiastic reaction from Irving, who clutched the Bueckers jersey while applauding the rookie.
While the game did not fall, the moment between Irving and Bueckers has become iconic. So much so, it has become the poster for their upcoming rematch against the Fever. The franchise is using that moment to promote the rematch as they posted on social media with the caption, “Magical moments everywhere Be sure to be a part of the magic of A Night in Dallas: The Sequel as we take on the Indiana Fever on 8/1 at American Airlines Center!”
Magical moments everywhere
Be sure to be a part of the magic of A Night in Dallas: The Sequel as we take on the Indiana Fever on 8/1 at American Airlines Center!
Tickets starting at $40: https://t.co/djHGslhdd7 pic.twitter.com/4W9VCzFt15
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) July 24, 2025
It’s unknown whether Irving will be courtside once again, but Bueckers will be determined to put one game on her side of the ledger after losing two against the Fever. The first game was filled with ups and downs. The Dallas Wings gave a tough fight, with Bueckers leading the charge. They made a sparkling comeback in the third quarter, but the Fever held them off. Bueckers had one of those performances, scoring 27 points, six assists, two steals, and two blocks across 36 minutes. The performance made her the first player in WNBA history to record a game with at least 25 points, five assists, two steals, two blocks, and zero turnovers.
Their second game was much more exciting as Clark was present this time around, and she showed that Bueckers has much to learn. In her limited time on the court, she outshone the point guard who had a great performance of her own, but the win went to the Caitlin Clark-led side. This time around, Clark will likely be missing once again as she recovers from her groin injury. Even with Clark out, Bueckers will have to channel her inner-Irving to go past this Fever side.
Paige Bueckers Ties Caitlin Clark In Another Record
It was inevitable that Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark would meet, two point guards from different generations who were each gaining their fan base. Bueckers is the epitome of dependability and consistency, calm under duress and unrelenting night after night, while Clark provides the flash, flair, and daring shot-making. Bueckers is making waves in her rookie season, drawing attention and changing the record books despite Clark’s additional year in the league.
With her most recent accomplishment, a 14-point, 6-assist effort in the Wings’ decisive 87-63 victory over Seattle, Bueckers joined Clark as the WNBA’s fastest player to reach 300 points and 100 assists. Legends like Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Andrea Stinson, Shannon Johnson, and Sue Bird have been surpassed by them collectively, surpassing milestones that once required 22 games in just 19.
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Connecticut vs Iowa Apr 5, 2024 Cleveland, OH, USA Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark 22 controls the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers 5 in the fourth quarter in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse OH USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20240405_lbm_al2_184
Their rivalry’s depth and tenacity are what make it unique. It started with high school competitions, sparked memorable college basketball matches like the 2024 Final Four, and now, as consecutive No. 1 picks, has brought the WNBA’s prominence and intensity to new heights. Their unwavering quest for excellence, which pushes both the league and each other to new heights, is what drives their competitive fire rather than personal resentment.
These two are also game-changers off the court. Bueckers and Clark are the model for contemporary stardom, with social media magnifying every moment and every tale. They are role models as well as superstars, inspiring the next generation with their leadership, work ethic, and artistic abilities. Their rivalry attracts new audiences, increases ticket sales, and does more than just make headlines. So even while Clark will likely not be there for their next matchup, this rivalry will still bring flavour to the game like no other.
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