Paige Bueckers has never been one to mince words—and when it comes to giving props where they’re due, the UConn superstar doesn’t hesitate. In a candid interview that’s been lighting up the basketball world, Bueckers opened up about her thoughts on the surging Indiana Fever duo of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, and she did not hold back. “They’re a problem for the whole league,” Bueckers said, echoing a sentiment that many fans and analysts have been expressing ever since the Fever began their season turnaround.
The Fever, long regarded as an underdog in the WNBA, have become one of the most compelling teams to watch in 2025 thanks in large part to the electrifying backcourt combination of Clark and Mitchell. Their chemistry, flair, and relentless scoring ability have turned Indiana’s fortunes around—and caught the attention of future WNBA hopefuls like Bueckers.
The statement from Bueckers came after her recent appearance at a WNBA game during a break from offseason training, where she was seen courtside soaking in the action. Cameras caught her chatting animatedly with former Huskies and current WNBA stars, but it was her post-game remarks about Indiana’s dynamic duo that sent shockwaves across social media.
“Caitlin’s court vision, her deep threes, her pace—it’s different,” Bueckers said. “And when you’ve got someone like Kelsey right next to her, who can drop 25 on any given night, it’s scary. It’s pick your poison every possession.”
Clark, who has now firmly established herself as the face of the 2025 WNBA season, has exceeded the astronomical expectations that followed her from Iowa to Indiana. Her transition from college phenom to professional superstar has been seamless, and she’s brought an electric energy to the court with every game. Averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, she’s become a walking highlight reel. But it’s her partnership with Kelsey Mitchell—an underrated sharpshooter and veteran leader—that has elevated the Fever’s gameplay to an elite level.
Mitchell, now in her prime, is playing the best basketball of her career. Often overshadowed in previous seasons due to the Fever’s struggles, the addition of Clark has allowed Mitchell to shine in ways she hadn’t before. With defenses scrambling to contain Clark, Mitchell has been free to operate with greater efficiency and creativity, averaging 18.3 points per game on near career-best shooting percentages.
The result? A Fever team that no longer looks like a rebuilding project but a legitimate playoff contender—maybe even a dark horse for the championship if their momentum continues.
Paige Bueckers, set to enter the WNBA draft next year and widely projected as a top pick, understands what greatness looks like. She’s battled Clark head-to-head in college and has followed Mitchell’s career closely. Her respect for the duo is grounded in firsthand experience and basketball IQ.
“There’s a swagger they play with now,” Bueckers explained. “It’s not just talent—it’s confidence. You can tell they believe they can beat anyone, and that kind of mentality spreads fast on a team.”
Indeed, the Fever have been playing with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The team’s recent win streak includes thrilling victories over top contenders like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces, proving that their rise is no fluke. Fever head coach Christie Sides has praised both Clark and Mitchell for their leadership and commitment to building a winning culture in Indiana.
“It starts with them,” Sides said in a recent press conference. “Caitlin brings energy, Kelsey brings poise. Together, they give this team a chance every night.”
Fans have taken notice too. Fever games are consistently selling out, with TV ratings reaching record highs. Jerseys for Clark and Mitchell are flying off the shelves, and Indiana’s once-quiet Gainbridge Fieldhouse is now one of the loudest arenas in the league. The Fever’s social media following has exploded, and their games have become appointment viewing for basketball lovers across the country.
Amid this Fever frenzy, Bueckers’ praise serves as more than just flattery—it’s a sign of shifting dynamics in women’s basketball. The WNBA has entered a new era, one defined by a deeper pool of talent, a broader fanbase, and a fresh crop of stars who aren’t just good—they’re transcendent. And Paige Bueckers is very much part of that conversation.
With her return to UConn for one final season, Bueckers is aiming for a national title, but she’s also clearly keeping an eye on what lies ahead. Asked whether the Clark-Mitchell combo would impact her WNBA decision-making, Bueckers laughed but offered a telling answer.
“You always want to compete with the best and against the best,” she said. “Wherever I go, I want to win. And let’s just say, it would be fun to go toe-to-toe with them again—or maybe even team up one day.”
The idea of a future Paige Bueckers-Caitlin Clark reunion—whether as teammates or rivals—has fans buzzing. Their legendary college battles delivered some of the most memorable games in recent women’s basketball history. Adding Mitchell’s dynamic scoring to that mix only intensifies the hype.
Beyond the headlines, Bueckers’ admiration highlights something even bigger: the growing camaraderie and mutual respect among the new generation of WNBA stars. These aren’t just competitors; they’re collaborators in elevating the game to unprecedented heights. The WNBA is no longer fighting for relevance—it’s commanding it, and players like Clark, Mitchell, and Bueckers are the driving force behind that revolution.
Social media reaction to Bueckers’ comments has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans applauded her humility and awareness, noting that her words reflect a maturity and love for the game that goes beyond self-promotion. “Paige gets it,” one fan posted. “She knows what real hoopers look like, and she’s not afraid to give flowers while people can still smell them.”
Others speculated on the possibility of future rivalries: “Bueckers vs. Clark in the WNBA is going to be must-watch TV every time,” one user tweeted. “And if she ends up in Indiana too? Whew.”
The Fever, for their part, have embraced the attention. In a subtle but cheeky response, the team’s official X account reposted Bueckers’ quote with the caption: “We’ll take the compliment. See you soon .”
Whether or not Bueckers lands in Indiana, one thing is clear: the new WNBA landscape is bursting with talent, drama, and excitement. The days of one-team dynasties may be fading as balance spreads across the league. Now, with duos like Clark and Mitchell lighting it up and players like Bueckers waiting in the wings, women’s basketball is enjoying a renaissance—one that’s being built not just on skill, but on authenticity and mutual respect.
As the Fever continue their climb, they’ve gained more than just wins—they’ve earned the respect of one of college basketball’s brightest stars. And in this era of rising superteams and louder-than-ever rivalries, that kind of validation hits different.
Paige Bueckers said it best: “They’re a problem for the whole league.” And from the looks of it, that problem isn’t going away anytime soon.
