Caitlin Clark made her first regular-season WNBA appearance since July 15 on Saturday, posting 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the Indiana Fever's 107-104 opening-night loss to the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark, who was limited to just 13 games last season due to injury, admitted to pre-game anxiety before her return.

"I feel good," Clark said. "Started off a little slow, I think just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall, I felt good, felt fast out there."

Clark left the bench twice for back adjustments but returned both times and was not held out of any significant action. Coach Stephanie White noted the club would not have played her 30 minutes if there were any concern. Clark shot 2-of-9 from three-point range but improved significantly in the second half, shooting 50 percent from the field and recording five of her seven assists after the break.

Kelsey Mitchell led all scorers with 30 points, including 10 in the opening quarter, while teammate Aliyah Boston added 23. Mitchell had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer at the buzzer but the 32-footer fell short.

Arike Ogunbowale scored 22 points in her return from injury for Dallas. Paige Bueckers and Odyssey Sims each added 20 points for the Wings.

"That's what basketball is about, the best trying to compete against the best," Mitchell said. "Everybody gets a little excited to see really good basketball."