The 2026 WNBA season tipped off with a bang as the Dallas Wings edged the Indiana Fever 107-104 in a thrilling opener. But the game's biggest moment wasn't a buzzer-beater or a flashy assist—it was a playful jab that has fans talking.
Paige Bueckers, the Wings' rising star, went viral for mimicking Caitlin Clark's signature head-snapping flop after a defensive foul was called. The clip, which spread like wildfire on social media, shows Bueckers repeatedly throwing her head back in exaggerated fashion, a clear nod to Clark's infamous foul-drawing tactics.
Fans ate it up. “She’s so funny lmfksks,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “Paige really is a troll and it’s so funny 😂😭.” Some pointed out the irony, noting that Bueckers herself isn't shy about selling contact. “It’s funnier bc Paige herself also flops lmaoo,” a fan observed. Others linked the move to her teammate DiJonai Carrington, with one user saying, “She learned from mother.”
On the court, Bueckers backed up the antics with stellar play, dropping 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with four assists and three rebounds. She also drew the tough assignment of guarding Clark for much of the game. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 22 points, including three triples, as the Wings kicked off their campaign with a statement win.
For Clark, the loss adds to a growing narrative around her performance in year three, where some analysts see signs of a plateau. The Fever star struggled with efficiency, and she was visibly frustrated with officiating after the game, a theme that has followed her since college.
Bueckers, meanwhile, is focused on the bigger picture. “I’m not one to live in the past,” she said via The Athletic. “But I’m not sure how long it was until we got our first win last year, and three counting the preseason. It’s not to say get complacent, or oh, we got one win, we’re going to go 44-0. We’re so focused on winning the day, winning the practice and getting better every single day, which leads to wins in total.”
The Wings, who finished a dismal 10-34 last season, have retooled and now look like a legitimate contender. Their next test comes against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream, a matchup that promises more fireworks. For now, Bueckers has the last laugh—and the internet's attention.
