Recapping the Indiana Fever win over Chicago Sky, defense and Caitlin Clark hit by cheap shots | VIDEO
Scott Agness takes you inside the Indiana Fever game Saturday: defensive improvements, all five starters in double figures, Aliyah Boston's key and-1 and Caitlin Clark makes 'genius' play.
The Indiana Fever won their first game at home this season, 71-70 over the Chicago Sky. It was an interesting matchup full of storylines, and one that some tried to build up as a big game or the start of a potential rivalry.
The reality is both teams are trying to get their footing as both teams finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings last season. And that’s why they were each able to draft so high.
The Fever added Caitlin Clark (first overall) and the Sky added Kamilla Cardoso (third), plus Angel Reese (seventh).
One game after yielding 103 points to the Seattle Storm, the Fever kept the Sky to 70 points on 40.6% shooting — including 2 of 12 from distance.
The Fever led at the end of all four quarters. They didn’t shoot it well (just 39.1%), but their defense and keeping their turnovers to 13 gave them a chance. And they successfully closed the game, which was an ongoing problem last year.
This was Game 1 of the WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup, therefore there was extra logos on the court and they used a different colored basketball — with black panels instead of orange.
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo joked on Friday that she and the network’s No. 1 broadcast team have only called Fever games this season. Several, in fact.
In the Stands: Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers player development coach Isaac Yacob, plus former Colts Pat McAfee and T.Y. Hilton.
It was the 8th sellout in 10 games for the Fever, including another one at home. Through five games, they have now surpassed the total attendance for last season (20 games). It was an outstanding crowd.
All five Fever starters finished in double figures: Caitlin Clark (11-8-6), Kristy Wallace (10), Kelsey Mitchell (18), NaLyssa Smith (17/9), and Aliyah Boston (10/8).
Clark was subject to multiple cheap shots from the Sky, first from Chennedy Carter and then Angel Reese. Asked about it postgame, Carter responded poorly. First with “next question,” and then "I ain't answering no Caitlin Clark questions.”
Last game, it was Victoria Vivians of the Storm.
The Fever need an enforcer like the Pacers’ James Johnson. Teammates must have her back.
Cardoso made her WNBA debut and while on a minutes restriction, she contributed 11 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes.
The Fever are now 2-8 and have a quick turnaround with a home-road back-to-back at New York on Sunday night.
And that will conclude their awful schedule with 11 games in 20 days.
Watch my video recap of the Fever’s win below, which includes postgame comments — from Clark, Mitchell, Smith, Carter and Sides.
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And here’s what was said postgame:
Clark’s making lots of money this year, more than other WNBA players have made in their lifetime and other players are envious. It’s human nature. What can Clark do? Earn respect with her play and get much stronger. I’d be very surprised if the Fever and Clark haven’t discussed the need to spend serious time off-season in the weight room. Steph Curry, for example, made himself into an elite player by using the off season to get stronger and to hone his basketball skills.
At this point it is undeniable that there is premeditated targeting of Clark going on. The league needs to address is with the officials and her teammates HAVE TO STEP UP TO DEFEND HER. This is getting ridiculous and it’s not basketball.