Game Recap & Final Score
At Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever (18–14) dominated the Chicago Sky (8–23) with a convincing 92–70 win. Kelsey Mitchell led the charge with 26 points, Lexie Hull added 17, Sophie Cunningham contributed 16 (10 before halftime), and Aliyah Boston chipped in 15.
Why the Fever Came Out on Top
1. Offensive Firepower Without Clark
Even without standout guard Caitlin Clark (groin), Indiana’s offense clicked. Mitchell’s sharpshooting—4-of-8 from deep—sparked a high-octane attack. Lexie Hull, stepping into the starting lineup, knocked down 4-of-6 threes to add perimeter punch.
2. Superior Efficiency & Third-Quarter Blowout
Indiana shot 47.1% overall, compared to Chicago’s 38.4%. Their halftime lead (48–37) swelled thanks to an 8–0 run early in the third quarter, before Mitchell’s buzzer-beater gave them a commanding 20-point edge.
3. Supportive Contributions Across the Board
Sophie Cunningham tallied 16 points, with a strong showing offensively in the first half. Boston contributed solidly inside, while Hull’s long-range shooting diversified the attack. Overall, the Fever’s offense looked well-rounded.
4. Capitalizing on Sky’s Injury Toll
Chicago’s lineup was severely depleted: Angel Reese (back) sidelined, along with Caitlin Clark for the Fever. Without Reese’s presence inside and missing key veteran leadership in Clark, the Sky lacked offensive consistency and defensive intensity.
Why the Sky Fell Short
1. Offensive Inefficiency & Limited Firepower
Chicago managed just 38.4% shooting overall and lacked the 3-point threat to keep up. Rachel Banham (11 points) and reserve Maddy Westbeld (10) provided some spark, but there wasn't enough impact from the rest of the roster.
2. Depth Problems & Injuries
Missing Reese and squad leader Courtney Vandersloot (ACL earlier) stretched bench rotations thin. The absence of veteran composure showed as they struggled to find rhythm or answer Indiana's runs.
3. Defensive Breakdowns & Energy Gaps
Chicago failed to contain the Fever’s shooting barrage. Turnovers and failure to rebound at key moments let Indiana turn control into a runaway scoreline in the third quarter.
Final Thoughts: Realistic, Neutral, and Critical
Indiana Fever: This was a showcase of depth, adaptability, and opportunism. Despite missing their star guard, they thrived with collective effort and high-percentage shooting. Their midseason momentum, including a Commissioner's Cup win, clearly bolstered confidence.
Chicago Sky: Injuries and inconsistent offense continue to plague them. The loss highlights urgent areas needing attention—especially interior defense and secondary scoring responsibilities. Unless those gaps are addressed, they risk falling deeper in the standings.
