Kathmandu— The Indiana Fever defeated the Dallas Wings 98-87 on Friday night, continuing a strong run of form and receiving vocal support for head coach Stephanie White after a period of internal and external scrutiny. Caitlin Clark led the Fever with 29 points and 10 assists in a highly anticipated matchup against fellow rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points and Aliyah Boston contributed 16. The victory marked Indiana’s eighth win in ten games, solidifying their position as the fourth-place team in the WNBA.

White Receives Warm Welcome

Stephanie White was greeted with cheers from fans at Friday's game, a stark contrast to recent criticism she faced following comments regarding a flagrant foul committed against Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham. The coach had publicly denounced what she described as “divisiveness” surrounding the WNBA earlier in the week, and expressed gratitude for the support of her players and staff. "We love each other in that locker room and we know there are a lot of people out there that are trying to tear it apart," White said. "When we say we’re a family, we mean that."

Clark and Bueckers Duel

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the top two picks in this year's WNBA draft, showcased their skills in an entertaining contest. Both players finished with 29 points, but Clark also added 10 assists to help propel the Fever to victory. Clark acknowledged the challenge of defending Bueckers, noting her skill in the mid-range and attributing some defensive lapses to miscommunication within the Indiana team.

Fever's Strong Performance

Beyond Clark’s standout performance, the Fever received contributions from across their roster. Kelsey Mitchell continued her consistent scoring, while Aliyah Boston came alive in the fourth quarter, adding 10 crucial points. The team also demonstrated improved defensive play throughout much of the game, contributing to their decisive win over the Wings.

Playoff Implications

Indiana’s victory moved them into fourth place in the WNBA standings, a half-game ahead of the Atlanta Dream, their next opponent. Dallas, meanwhile, has lost seven of its last ten games and is now tied for seventh with Washington. Friday's game, along with next week’s rematch in Dallas, could serve as a preview of a potential playoff matchup.

The Indiana Fever will look to continue their winning streak on Sunday when they face the Atlanta Dream, while the Dallas Wings aim to regain momentum against an upcoming opponent.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.