Dallas edged Indiana 81–80 in a nail-biter thanks to Maddy Siegrist’s 22 and Li Yueru’s 20. Here’s your complete Wings vs Fever recap, standout stats, injury updates (including Caitlin Clark), where to watch replays and future games, plus context on both teams’ form and what to expect next.
Wings vs Fever Context
- Final: Dallas Wings 81, Indiana Fever 80 (Aug 12, 2025, Gainbridge Fieldhouse).
- Stars: Maddy Siegrist tied her career high with 22; Li Yueru poured in 20 off the bench; Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 24.
- Context: Dallas snapped a five-game skid and held off a furious Fever 19–3 closing run.
- Clark status: Caitlin Clark (groin) remains out; Fever coach said she’s not yet cleared to practice.
- Where to watch: The game aired on ESPN/ESPN+; replay options appear on ESPN platforms and Disney+. Fever radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan (IND).
Background: Why Wings vs Fever matters right now
This rivalry suddenly carries weight on multiple fronts:
- Dallas searching for stability. The Wings have battled injuries and form. Getting Maddy Siegrist back (after a knee absence) gave them a much-needed scoring lift in New York last week and again tonight in Indianapolis.
- Indiana’s playoff push without Clark. The Fever have stayed afloat with Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Natasha Howard stepping up while Caitlin Clark rehabs a groin injury that’s sidelined her since mid-July.
- National spotlight. Games between these teams have consistently drawn strong TV interest, with ABC/ESPN carriage and streaming visibility. (ESPN.com)
Game Recap: Dallas builds big, survives late
Dallas led by as many as 17 with 6:38 to play before Indiana’s defense and shot-making cut it to a one-possession game. The Fever closed regulation on a 19–3 tear, but the Wings made just enough plays to escape 81–80. Key notes:
- Siegrist’s all-levels scoring (22 on 9-of-13) steadied Dallas during its big third-quarter push.
- Li Yueru’s spark (20 in 27 minutes) gave the Wings critical interior scoring and late free throws.
- Kelsey Mitchell (24) fueled the comeback; her contested corner three at the horn hit the side of the backboard.
- Natasha Howard’s double-double (12 pts, 12 reb) kept Indiana alive on the glass.
Standout Performers & Match Player Stats (selected)
Dallas Wings
- Maddy Siegrist: 22 PTS (career-tying high), efficient 9/13 FG, 3 3PM; primary engine for Dallas runs.
- Li Yueru: 20 PTS, key late and off the bench; added boards/defense in 27 minutes.
- Paige Bueckers: Stuffed the line with points and 8 AST; creation and tempo mattered even on an off shooting night (per multiple recaps/notes).
Indiana Fever
- Kelsey Mitchell: Game-high 24 PTS with shot-making in the rally.
- Natasha Howard: 12 PTS, 12 REB, rim protection and second-chance creation.
- Aliyah Boston & Sophie Cunningham: Secondary scoring in double figures during the push.
For highlights, check the official recap/clips from the WNBA and ESPN.
How to Watch: Where to watch Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever
- TV (US): ESPN/ESPN+ carried this matchup; future meetings frequently land on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+ (check listings).
- Streaming: Replays and condensed versions often appear inside the ESPN app or Disney+ hubs when carried.
- Radio (Indiana): 93.5/107.5 The Fan provides Fever radio coverage for all regular-season games.
- Team hubs & schedule pages: Always verify tip times on team sites and the WNBA game hub on game day.
Trending Storylines After the Game
The Siegrist effect is real
Siegrist’s return has immediately improved the Wings’ half-court scoring. She posted 13 in her first game back at New York and then matched a career high with 22 in Indianapolis. Her size and touch give Dallas a balanced scoring option beyond guard creation.
Li Yueru’s two-way value
Yueru’s blend of size, soft hands and touch from 15 feet (and even the arc) changes Dallas’ paint profile. Twenty off the bench in a one-point win is the definition of impact.
Fever resilience, even shorthanded
Without Caitlin Clark (still not ready for practice), Indiana leaned into defense and pace to nearly steal it. The late game script suggests the Fever’s floor is higher than their injury list would imply.
Injury & Availability Watch
- Caitlin Clark (groin): Not cleared for practice as of Aug 11; absence extended vs Dallas. Monitor the team’s updates for her return timeline.
- Wings health: Dallas had been thin but is healthier with Siegrist back; nightly statuses can shift, so team previews remain the most reliable day-of reference.
What this means for the standings & momentum
This result snaps Dallas’ five-game losing streak and offers a proof-of-concept lineup around Siegrist’s spacing and Yueru’s interior finishing. For Indiana, it’s a painful but instructive loss: their late-game defense and shot-making nearly completed a massive swing, and with Clark still sidelined, pushing a desperate Dallas team to the brink is a sign of depth.
Schedule Notes & Broadcast Tips
- Fever Schedule: Use the Fever’s official schedule (and “Ways to Watch”) for updated tip times and radio info.
- Dallas game previews/recaps: The Wings site posts day-before previews and rapid post-game recaps with lineups, context, and quotes. Bookmark it.
- National listings: ESPN/ABC weekend slates and WNBA broadcast hubs regularly feature both clubs; confirm morning-of.
Advanced Angles to Watch Next Time
- Glass battle: Indiana had the overall rebounding edge, but specific high-leverage boards decided possessions late. Keep an eye on Howard/Boston vs Dallas’ committee.
- Turnovers vs pace: The Fever’s pressure created extra possessions down the stretch; limiting live-ball turnovers is Dallas’ next lever.
- Half-court creation: With Bueckers orchestrating (8 AST) and Siegrist/Yueru finishing, Dallas’ half-court efficiency trend bears tracking in the next two weeks.