The Indiana Fever opened their season in jaw-dropping fashion, steamrolling the Chicago Sky 93-58 in a dominant performance that featured a triple-double from star guard Caitlin Clark – and a fiery showdown with rival Angel Reese.
Clark, last season’s WNBA Rookie of the Year, put on a clinic with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and a career-high four blocks. Her elite performance helped the Fever pull away late in the third quarter and never look back.
Aliyah Boston was equally dominant with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, while newcomer Natasha Howard chipped in 15 points in her Fever debut. On a historic note, DeWanna Bonner scored seven points to pass WNBA legend Tina Thompson for third on the league’s all-time scoring list with 7,489 points.
The fight that derailed Sky
But the moment that had everyone talking came late in the third quarter. With 4:38 remaining, Clark delivered a hard foul across Reese’s arm, sending the Sky rookie to the floor. Reese sprang to her feet and confronted Clark, only for Aliyah Boston to intervene as Clark calmly walked away.
Officials reviewed the play and issued a flagrant 1 foul to Clark, while Reese and Boston received technicals for the confrontation.
That moment only seemed to ignite Indiana, who closed the quarter on a 9-0 run and never let Chicago back into the game.
Despite Angel Reese’s strong showing – 12 points and a game-high 17 rebounds – and 11 points from Ariel Atkins, the Sky had no answer for the Fever’s surge.
White made his debut with the Fever on the right foot
For Stephanie White, it was a homecoming to remember. The Indiana native and Purdue legend secured her first win in her second stint as Fever head coach, returning triumphantly to the state where she once claimed the 1995 Miss Basketball title and led Purdue to a national championship in 1999.
Between Clark’s fireworks, the rekindled rivalry with Reese, and a commanding team performance, the Fever are sending a clear message: they’re here to make noise this season.
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