The Indiana Fever have been on a roll since the WNBA’s Paris Olympics break, showcasing a new level of play that has led them to back-to-back victories. Their latest win came in a dominant 92-75 home victory over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. The key to their success in this game was their exceptional guard play, with Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, and Lexie Hull leading the charge.
Mitchell had a standout performance, scoring 27 points and hitting 5-of-8 3-pointers. Clark contributed 23 points, while Hull added 22 points and shot an impressive 6-for-7 from beyond the arc. Aliyah Boston also made her presence felt with 15 rebounds, helping Indiana improve to a 13-15 record for the season, with an 8-5 record at home.
One of the highlights of the game was Caitlin Clark breaking the record for the most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. In the second quarter, she earned her 225th career assist, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s previous record. Clark expressed her gratitude towards Penicheiro, who has been a mentor and supporter throughout her career. The Fever shared a video message from Penicheiro congratulating Clark on her achievement, praising her court vision and playmaking abilities.
In addition to her record-breaking assist, Clark showcased her all-around skills by finishing the game with nine assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. She currently leads the WNBA in assists, averaging an impressive 8.3 per game. The rookie standout continues to make a significant impact on the court and elevate the women’s game.
The game started off slowly for both teams, with a low-scoring first quarter that saw Seattle holding a narrow 17-13 lead. However, Indiana fought back in the second quarter, taking the lead before halftime with a score of 35-34. Both teams struggled with their shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, but the Fever found their rhythm in the second half.
The Storm put up a strong effort, with Jewell Loyd leading the team with 26 points and Nneka Ogwumike showcasing her versatility with 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Ezi Magbegor also made an impact with nine points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Despite their efforts, Seattle was unable to overcome Indiana’s strong performance in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, the Fever will have nearly a week off before their next game against the Minnesota Lynx. The Storm will wrap up their road trip with a game against the Washington Mystics. Both teams will be looking to build on their recent performances and continue their push towards the playoffs.
Overall, the Indiana Fever’s victory over the Seattle Storm was a testament to their improved play and the emergence of young talent like Caitlin Clark. With key players stepping up and making significant contributions, the Fever look poised to make a strong push as the season progresses.