Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers put on a show in their latest WNBA matchup, with both players finishing with 29 points. But while the Dallas Wings star made plenty of headlines of her own, it was Clark who, as expected, walked away with the stronger endorsement from Skip Bayless.

Reacting to the Indiana Fever’s Friday 98-87 victory, Bayless argued that Clark had “outplayed Paige.” It may have come as rather surprising as both players ended with equal points, which interestingly was the case even in the first Wings-Fever clash this season where both dropped 20. Bayless’ assessment, though, went beyond just the points.

“Wings down 2 starters but Caitlin outplayed Paige. Each had 29, but Caitlin shot it better and had 10 assists – an MVP-caliber performance after turning her ankle late first half,” Bayless posted on X after the game.

This does not come as something out of the ordinary, as Bayless is known for his staunch defense and high praise of Caitlin Clark. He never misses an opportunity to defend her (as was the case when she got her 8th tech on August 8) or spotlight her performance whenever she puts together a brilliant display.

Of course, this time, Clark did exactly the latter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She contributed 29 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal to the Fever victory at home.

The performance even earned plaudits from head coach Stephanie White in the post-game press conference.

White brands Clark as a maestro

“She keeps people on their toes. She has a particularly good understanding with Kelsey (Mitchell) and AB (Aliyah Boston). Where they’re gonna be when they’re gonna release and how to get them the ball,” said White.

“That keeps teams honest. She’s like a maestro, the way that she really runs our offense. I think when we’re at our best, she is instructing, she is running it much like a show.”

Clark’s production was especially remarkable given how efficiently she shot the ball. The Fever star converted 61.1% of her field goals, going 11-for-18, and 90.0% of her two-point attempts, missing just one of her 10 shots from inside the arc. Her efficiency stood well above Bueckers’ 52.4% field-goal and 60% two-point shooting. 

What made it even more impressive was that Caitlin Clark suffered an injury scare right before halftime, twisting her left ankle.

The play in question occurred when the Wings were on the attack with just under 50 seconds left in the half. As Caitlin Clark took a step near Wings forward Alysha Clark, she seemed to stumble. Her left ankle turned awkwardly, causing her to stumble.

Caitlin Clark grabbed hold of her left knee for a split second while maintaining her balance. She then hopped in pain before trying to get back into position, clearly in serious discomfort.

A few seconds later, with the clock showing 40.4, the point guard hobbled off along the sideline and down the tunnel.

She returned in the second half and dominated the third quarter, scoring 17 of her 29 points in that 10-minute period. With her 10 assists, she also officially became the fastest player in WNBA history, and the fastest WNBA or NBA player this century, to reach 700 career assists.

According to ESPN Insights, last night’s game was also the 13th time Clark ended the night with atleast 25+ points and 10+ assists. Her seven such games this season is more than any other WNBA player’s career tally.

Paige Bueckers also set a milestone of her own

The Wings guard was once again crucial for the Wings in the absence of injured starters like Azzi Fudd and Jessica Shepard, finishing with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

This display saw her earn the accomplishment of having the second-most 25/5/5 games in a season by a WNBA point guard. It was her sixth game this season recording that stat line, and that places her behind Clark, who holds the record. The Indiana Fever guard herself praised the Wings’ star after the game.

“Paige is a tremendous player. She takes what the defense gives her; she doesn’t force anything; she’s smooth; she finds the open teammate. So she’s just a really tough guard,” Clark told the media after the game.

Overall, both Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have been putting together impressive performances for their respective teams this season. Clark is currently averaging 21.9 points, 8.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Bueckers is posting 20.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.

With numbers like these, it’s entirely fair to say that both have firmly established themselves in the WNBA MVP conversation.