Is Caitlin Clark really friends with Paige Bueckers? Indiana Fever star gets honest about their WNBA bond

The basketball world turned its attention to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 13, as Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers shared the WNBA court for the first time in their pro careers. Indiana Fever hosted the Dallas Wings in a matchup that had playoff implications but also stirred excitement over the long-anticipated face-off between two of the sport’s biggest young stars.

While fans focused on their fierce on-court rivalry, the real question many were asking was whether Clark and Bueckers are actually friends off the court. And for fans’ satisfaction, Clark has an answer for that.

Caitlin Clark opens up about her friendship with Paige Bueckers amid WNBA rookie season

Ahead of the Indiana Fever’s crucial showdown against the Wings, Caitlin Clark addressed the curiosity around her relationship with Paige Bueckers. Though their careers have taken different paths, Clark leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to national prominence, and Bueckers anchoring the legendary UConn Huskies, both women have shared respect and admiration over the years.

And Clark didn’t shy away from setting the record straight.“I mean, we’ve always been friends. I wouldn’t say we’re best friends and talk all the time. It’s hard when you end up going your separate ways and are at different colleges,” Clark said, via the Fever’s official YouTube channel.

“I’ve always been a fan of hers and always been supportive. And I watch as much as I can, just because I love basketball and I love people that compete, and make their team better.

And that's what she has always been able to do,” she added.Her praise didn’t stop there. “But I just admire the way she plays, I admire the confidence she has in herself. Every single night, she steps up to the challenge, she doesn't shy away from anything. And as a competitor, that's what you really love,” Clark said.Bueckers returned the sentiment after the game, speaking about their matchup. “It's fun anytime we can compete against each other,” she said.

“We're two competitors who just wanna win, who have grown up to be playing against each other, playing with each other. So, it's great. The environment is great here. I feel like every game has been sold out, so they have a great homecourt advantage.”On the floor, it was Clark who led her team to a dominant 102-83 win, logging 14 points, 13 assists, and five steals, while Bueckers dropped 21 points on efficient 9-of-15 shooting in a strong individual effort. The Fever improved to 11-10, while the struggling Wings fell to 6-16.Also Read: Stephen Curry gets heartfelt support from Jimmy Butler in Tahoe as he attempts to reclaim American Century Championship crown