In a highly anticipated showdown between two of the WNBA’s brightest rookie stars, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the Indiana Fever emerged victorious with a dominant 100-81 win over the Chicago Sky on Friday night. The victory marked the Fever’s third consecutive win and solidified their control in the season series against the Sky, having won three out of their four matchups.
Fever Continue Hot Streak
The Fever have been on fire since the Olympic break, boasting a 5-1 record and showcasing their growing chemistry and confidence. Friday’s win against the Sky was particularly significant as it demonstrated the team’s ability to not only compete but dominate as they push toward the playoffs.
Caitlin Clark, who has been a standout all season, recorded a WNBA career-high 31 points and 12 assists, marking her 11th double-double of the year. Clark’s performance was nothing short of sensational as she continues to set records in her rookie season. She is now the only player in WNBA history to have three games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a single season. Additionally, she remains on track to break the overall assists record for a season.
Reflecting on the team’s recent success, Clark said, “I think we just understand each other a lot better. Having the chemistry and having the time to play with one another, you just build confidence. I think you’re seeing that. … I’m proud of this group. We’ve been sharing the ball, we’re taking good shots, and that’s helping our transition game, and it helps us on defense, too.”
Caitlin Clark put on a MASTERFUL performance in the @IndianaFever’s win!
🔥 31 PTS (career high)
🔥 12 AST
🔥 4 REB
🔥 5 3PM
🔥 8-14 FGMThis is CC’s 5th game this year with 20+ PTS and 10+ AST, the MOST such games in a single season in WNBA history 👏
pic.twitter.com/pkVp3g6d3B— NBA (@NBA) August 31, 2024
Reese Sets Records, But Sky Struggle
On the other side of the court, Angel Reese continued to make history in her rookie season, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds. With this performance, Reese broke a tie with Tina Charles for the most rookie double-doubles with 23 and surpassed Sylvia Fowles for the Chicago Sky’s season record. She also set a rookie record with 399 rebounds.
Despite Reese’s individual achievements, the Sky have been in a downward spiral, losing their last five games. Their struggles were evident on Friday as they couldn’t keep pace with the Fever’s red-hot offense. Michaela Onyenwere led the Sky with 20 points, followed by Lindsay Allen with 19 and Rachel Banham with 14. The absence of Chennedy Carter, who missed her second straight game due to health and safety protocols, was felt as Chicago struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor.
A Night of Stars
The game, held at Wintrust Arena on Barbie Night—a tribute to Reese’s college nickname, Bayou Barbie—drew a sellout crowd of 9,445, including some notable sports figures. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who has taken on a mentorship role with Reese and played a pivotal part in her signing a lucrative NIL deal with Reebok, was courtside to support her. Clark also turned heads before the game, showing off a pair of new Nike Kobe 6 sneakers, foreshadowing the impressive performance she would deliver on the court.
Fever Building Momentum
The Fever’s recent surge has been impressive, especially considering their 84-80 win over the Connecticut Sun earlier in the week, which snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Sun dating back to July 2021. After that victory, the Fever had the chance to meet with Olympians Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas, who expressed their excitement about the growth of women’s sports and the WNBA in particular. Biles, attending her first WNBA game, shared her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “EVERYONE WATCHES WOMEN’S SPORTS so happy to be able to go support! My first of many WNBA games.”
Looking Ahead
The Fever will look to continue their winning ways as they take on the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Sky, desperately seeking to end their losing streak, will face the Minnesota Lynx on September 1. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the postseason.
The Fever’s recent performances, led by the exceptional play of Caitlin Clark, have made them one of the most exciting teams to watch as the WNBA season approaches its climax. As they continue to build momentum, the Fever are positioning themselves as a formidable force in the league.
