The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky in their fourth matchup of the 2024 WNBA season by a score of 100-81. The victory gave the Fever a 3-1 season series win. The Sky started off strong, taking a 21-9 lead midway through the first quarter. However, Indiana fought back with Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull helping to cut the margin to 26-23 by the end of the quarter. Caitlin Clark hit two consecutive 3-pointers to give the Fever the lead and they never looked back, eventually building a 10-point lead.
Caitlin Clark had a career-high 31 points in the game and also contributed 12 assists. She shot well from beyond the arc, hitting 5-of-9 3-pointers, and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line. Mitchell added 23 points, while NaLyssa Smith chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds. Hull continued her strong shooting from 3-point range, finishing with 11 points. Angel Reese recorded her 23rd double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, breaking the WNBA record for a rookie previously held by Tina Charles.
Despite the efforts of Clark and her teammates, the Sky were missing key player Chennedy Carter, who was out due to health and safety protocols. Carter’s absence was felt on both ends of the court, as her offensive production and defensive skills were sorely missed. Michaela Onyenwere led the Sky with 20 points, while Lindsay Allen added 19 points, four rebounds, and six assists. Kamilla Cardoso contributed 10 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Fever’s strong performance.
The victory improved the Fever’s record to 16-16, reaching the .500 mark for the first time this season. They also moved up to the No. 6 seed in the WNBA standings, surpassing the Phoenix Mercury. Since the Olympic break, the Fever have been playing well, going 4-1 and winning eight of their last 11 games. On the other hand, the Sky dropped to 11-20, holding onto the No. 8 seed and final playoff spot in the league. They have struggled since the Olympic break, losing five of their last six games.
Both teams will be in action on Sunday, with the Chicago Sky facing the Minnesota Lynx at 3 p.m. ET, while the Indiana Fever will take on the Dallas Wings at 4 p.m. ET. The Fever will look to continue their strong play and push for a higher seed in the playoffs, while the Sky will aim to turn their recent struggles around and secure their spot in the postseason.
