After suffering a 35-point defeat to the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, the Indiana Fever bounced back in style Saturday with a dominant 92-70 win over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
With star rookie Caitlin Clark still out due to a groin injury, it was Lexie Hull who stepped into the spotlight and delivered a breakout performance.
Hull, filling in for Clark in the starting lineup, scored 17 points and finished with a game-best +22 plus-minus rating. She shot an impressive 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, forcing Chicago’s defense to stretch and creating lanes for Kelsey Mitchell, who capitalized with 26 points of her own. The Fever’s offensive rhythm was much improved from their prior outing, with strong ball movement and perimeter shooting setting the tone.
Despite being without Clark for the last 10 games, Indiana is still playing competitive basketball. They rattled off five straight wins in late July and early August and rebounded confidently after back-to-back losses. The Fever are proving they can win as a team, relying on a deep roster and contributions from less-heralded players.
Lexie Hull steps up in crucial stretch
Hull has shown she’s more than just a temporary fill-in. The third-year guard has contributed efficiently on both ends, averaging 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season. In earlier performances, she posted 14 points and a +19 rating in a win over Washington, and her defensive toughness has earned praise from the coaching staff.
Kelsey Mitchell, meanwhile, remains the Fever’s offensive leader, continuing to score efficiently while also shouldering leadership duties with Clark sidelined. Indiana’s recent form suggests the team has found a way to adjust and compete, even without its biggest name on the court.
Chicago, on the other hand, continues to slide. The Sky have now lost eight straight games, largely due to the absence of Angel Reese, who remains out with a back injury. With little offensive cohesion and mounting defensive lapses, Chicago is heading toward another season near the bottom of the WNBA standings.
Indiana’s ability to regroup and win convincingly without its star speaks volumes about the team’s depth and resilience. With Hull’s emergence and Mitchell’s consistency, the Fever look determined to stay in the playoff race even as they await Clark’s return.
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