The Indiana Fever sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the WNBA: this is no longer a rebuilding team. In a dominating preseason finale, rookies Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull lit up the court, combining for a spectacular performance that left Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream scrambling for answers.

With a sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse on its feet, Clark dazzled the crowd with her signature long-range shooting, no-look passes, and unmatched court vision. Meanwhile, Hull provided relentless energy on both ends of the floor, diving for loose balls and sinking clutch three-pointers that ignited the home fans.

The final score: Indiana Fever 91 – Atlanta Dream 72. But the score doesn’t tell the full story.

Clark’s Statement Game

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, played like a veteran on a mission. She dropped 27 points, dished out 8 assists, and drained five three-pointers — including a near-half-court bomb that left even the Dream’s bench stunned.

“Every game I’m learning, but tonight felt special,” Clark said postgame. “I wanted to prove we’re ready — not just for the season, but to compete with the best.”

Clark’s chemistry with Hull and fellow young stars has been developing quickly, and tonight it exploded on the scoreboard. Their fast-paced, confident offense gave Atlanta no time to settle into any defensive rhythm.

Lexie Hull: The X-Factor

While Clark grabbed headlines, Lexie Hull quietly delivered one of her best performances as a pro. The former Stanford standout finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, but her impact was bigger than the box score.

Her full-court pressure on Atlanta’s guards disrupted their offense, and her perimeter defense against veteran shooters was relentless. Hull also hit back-to-back threes in the third quarter that broke open a close game and sent the Fever into a 15-point lead.

“She plays like she’s got something to prove every second,” Fever coach Christie Sides said. “That’s the kind of energy we need all season.”

Griner’s Frustration Mounts

On the other side of the court, Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream struggled to find any momentum. Griner finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, but was often forced into tough shots and double-teamed by the Fever’s aggressive defense.

It was clear by the third quarter that frustration was boiling over for Atlanta. Turnovers piled up, fast breaks went unanswered, and their defense couldn’t handle the perimeter barrage from Clark and Hull.

“We got outworked tonight,” said Dream head coach Tanisha Wright. “Indiana came out with something to prove, and they proved it.”

A Preseason Sweep — and a Warning

With the win, Indiana completed a perfect preseason sweep, going undefeated through all warm-up games. While preseason results aren’t always an indicator of regular-season success, this version of the Fever looks far more dangerous than in years past.

More importantly, the Clark-Hull duo seems to have found its rhythm just in time. Their mix of basketball IQ, hustle, and scoring punch has energized a franchise and its fan base — and has other teams taking notice.

“We’re not here just to play,” Hull said after the game. “We’re here to win.”

What’s Next?

The Indiana Fever now shift their focus to the regular season, opening against the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces. It will be the ultimate test for the young squad — but after tonight’s beatdown of a seasoned Atlanta team, no one’s underestimating them anymore.

As for Clark and Hull, this could be just the beginning of one of the most exciting guard duos in the league.

And if tonight was a preview of what’s coming?

The WNBA should buckle up.