Teamwork was the point of emphasis when the Indiana Fever hosted their second home game against the Chicago Sky on Father’s Day. Emotions were running high for both players and fans as the last time the two teams met, the final score was a one-point victory in favor of Indiana and the aggressive play from the Sky sparked an ongoing commentary from media and fans.
The Fever didn’t let it affect them and played with poised intensity, taking advantage of the home-court momentum and energy. The stat line was heavy in Chicago’s favor with the Sky leading in steals, turnovers, free throw percentage and fast break points but the Fever led in the categories that made a difference- field goal and 3-point percentage, blocks, fouls and rebounds. They also held the largest lead of the game at 8 points.
The Fever had multiple starters in high double-digits- NaLyssa Smith (15 points), Aliyah Boston with a double-double (19 points & 14 rebounds), Kelsey Mitchell (17 points), and Caitlin Clark (23 points), who was one assist and two rebounds shy of a triple double of her own; Katie Lou Samuelson added 9 points of her own as well.
While things got heated and feisty at many points- Sky rookie Angel Reese getting called for an upgraded flagrant foul on a Caitlin Clark layup in particular- but the Indiana squad were able to keep calm and seal the 8-point win, giving them their first winning-streak of the season.
If the season were to end today, the Fever would have snuck their way into the field as the 8-seed. They finish up their 3-game home stand on Wednesday June 19 when they take on the last-place Washington Mystics, who they recently defeated in Washington.
-Reggie Edwards
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