Caitlin Clark scores 31 points and 12 assists as Fever outshine Sky 100-81 despite Reese’s record

Caitlin Clark displayed an outstanding performance with 31 points and 12 assists as the Indiana Fever secured a convincing 100-81 victory over the struggling Chicago Sky. Clark’s remarkable game included 8 made shots out of 14, with 5 successful 3-pointers, marking her 11th double-double of the season. She stands out as the sole player to achieve three games with over 25 points and 10 rebounds in a single season.

On the other side, Angel Reese, the rookie sensation for the Sky, contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds, surpassing Tina Charles for rookie double-doubles as she achieved her 23rd. Reese also set a Chicago season record with 399 rebounds. The intense matchup may have solidified Clark’s position in the Rookie of the Year race as the Fever (16-16) topped the Sky (11-20) for the third time in four meetings, enhancing their playoff prospects while Chicago is barely clinging to the final spot as the season nears its end.

The game attracted a full-capacity crowd of 9,445 at Wintrust Arena on Barbie Night, a tribute to Reese’s college moniker, Bayou Barbie. Notable figures in attendance included Shaquille O’Neal, Sue Bird, and Megan Rapinoe. Kelsey Mitchell contributed 23 points for the Fever, maintaining her streak of six consecutive games with at least 20 points since the Olympic break. NaLyssa Smith added 14 points and Lexie Hull chipped in with 11.

Despite being outrebounded 42-31, the Fever managed to secure the win by scoring 28 points in the paint and shooting at a 48.5% accuracy with 26 assists on 32 baskets. Michaela Onyenwere led Chicago with 20 points, followed by Lindsay Allen with 19 and Rachel Banham with 14. Chicago’s Chennedy Carter missed the game due to health and safety protocols.

Clark commended her team’s unity and improved performance, emphasizing the importance of chemistry, confident shooting, and shared responsibility on both ends of the court. The Fever displayed resilience after an initial setback and ultimately dominated the game with a strong second-quarter performance that led to a significant lead, which Chicago struggled to overcome.

In the end, Indiana’s solid execution and consistent play allowed them to maintain control and secure a valuable victory over the Sky. The outcome of the game significantly impacted the playoff race, highlighting the Fever’s readiness for postseason contention as they continue to showcase their strength in crucial matchups.