On Thursday evening, the Indiana Fever appeared to be cruising toward victory against the Los Angeles Sparks, holding a 10-point cushion as the game entered the fourth quarter. But without the services of star guard Caitlin Clark—who has missed six games this season due to injuries—the Fever couldn’t maintain their advantage. The Sparks, seizing momentum, surged ahead 35–17 in the final period to claim an 85–75 win.
Clark, the reigning 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, was sidelined once again due to a groin injury—her second in a short time. Earlier in the season, she missed five games because of a quad issue. As of now, coach Stephanie White describes her status as “day-to-day.” Clark has also struggled from beyond the arc, making only one of her last 23 three-point attempts over her last three outings.
Indiana’s record without Clark this year now sits at 2–4.
This matchup marked the Fever’s first since their offseason acquisition, veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, requested and was subsequently granted her release from the team. Bonner, who had been waived, had missed five games during the personal-illness stretch that followed her removal from the starting lineup.
Final Score: Sparks 85, Fever 75
Despite Indiana’s strong start, Los Angeles tightened their grip late in the game. Natasha Howard’s layup gave the Fever a 10-point lead with 9:26 remaining, but the Sparks roared back with a 35–17 run. Kelsey Plum nailed a go‑ahead three-pointer at the 4:13 mark to put the Sparks in front 67–66. In the closing moments, Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens sealed the deal with key put-back baskets.
Game Progression by Quarter
End of Third Quarter:
The Fever maintained an eight-point lead going into the final quarter. They could have extended it to double digits if not for a buzzer-beating layup by Shey Peddy, bringing the Sparks within striking range.
Two key issues stood out: three-point shooting and turnovers. Indiana converted seven of 22 long-range attempts, while Los Angeles managed just four of 17. Turnover numbers also favored Indiana, who forced 19 Sparks turnovers compared to their own 10.
First Half – Second Quarter Struggles:
The second quarter saw both teams faltering offensively. Los Angeles endured a horrendous stretch, going scoreless for six and a half minutes. They missed six consecutive field-goal attempts and committed six turnovers in that span. Although the Fever also had trouble scoring, particularly from deep, they managed to build a nine-point lead.
In the quarter’s closing moments, the Sparks mounted a comeback, trimming the gap to one point. Sophie Cunningham’s late three-pointer for Indiana helped restore some breathing room before halftime. At the break, Indiana led 34–30.
Shooting efficiency was surprising: Indiana connected on just 29.7% of its shots, while Los Angeles shot a more respectable 40.7%. Yet the Sparks’ turnovers kept the Fever in control—L.A. had already turned it over 15 times, matching their season average. Natasha Howard paced the Fever with eight points, and Rickea Jackson matched that total for the Sparks.
End of First Quarter:
Los Angeles opened the game in scorching fashion, ripping off a 9–0 run in the opening three minutes and making seven of their first ten shots. Indiana eventually found their rhythm and clawed back to within one point by the end of the quarter. Emma Cannon’s free throws just as time expired nudged the Sparks ahead 20–19. Rickea Jackson remained sharp for L.A. with eight points, while Howard led Indiana with six.
Key Theme from the Game
1. Caitlin Clark’s Absence and Colorado
Clark’s absence loomed large. Despite building a solid lead early in the fourth, the Fever faltered without her presence. Clark’s playmaking, leadership, and perimeter shooting are vital to Indiana’s identity, and her injury again highlights how dependent the team is on her abilities.
Her slump in three-point shooting—just 1-of-23 over the past three games—is alarming for a player known for her shooting prowess. Though she has battled injuries, her range and accuracy have been key to the Fever’s success. Coach White’s “day-to-day” label suggests cautious optimism but no guarantees.
With Indiana now 2–4 sans Clark, the team faces growing concern about how to maintain competitiveness against top-tier opponents without her.
2. Los Angeles’ Late-Game Surge
Down 10 early in the fourth, the Sparks exhibited poise and aggressiveness in the final period. Kelsey Plum’s go-ahead three and the pivotal put-backs from Hamby and Stevens showcased their depth and adaptability.
Their ability to flip the game late hinges on Pressure Cooking Defense (PCD): steals, contested shots, and second-chance opportunities. By forcing nearly 20 turnovers, Los Angeles compensated for their lackluster three-point shooting.
3. Turnover Battle & Three-Point Edge
Turnovers were decisive. The Sparks’ 19 giveaways killed their chances early on, yet their defense turned those into scoring runs. Indiana’s 10 turnovers, held in check, allowed them to dictate tempo and sustain offensive consistency.
Three-point shooting painted contrasting pictures. Indiana connected more frequently—7-of-22 versus 4-of-17—but neither team excelled. Addressing these shooting woes would benefit both squads.
4. DeWanna Bonner’s Departure
Bonner’s departure, both on and off the court, reverberated through the Fever organization. Signed as a free agent to bring veteran leadership and scorer’s touch, Bonner was demoted from the starting lineup and missed five games for personal reasons before requesting her release. The timing of her departure, just before this critical matchup, added legal and emotional weight to Indiana’s situation.
Going Quarter-by-Quarter Revisited
1st Quarter
Sparks unleashed a 9–0 run in the opening minutes, dominating early momentum.
Indiana managed to recover, trimming the deficit and entering the final seconds within one point.
Clark’s absence was deeply felt, leaving the Fever searching in the early stretch.
Score: Sparks lead 20–19.
2nd Quarter
L.A. sputtered offensively for more than half the quarter, going 0–6 from the field with six turnovers.
Indiana capitalized, expanding to a nine-point advantage.
The Sparks rallied late, with Cunningham knocking down a three before halftime.
Turnovers told the tale—Sparks had 15, the Fever held just 10 at half.
Halftime score: Indiana leads 34–30.
3rd Quarter
While detailed scoring runs aren’t documented, Indiana extended an 8-point lead into the fourth.
A final-quarter buzzer-beater from Peddy narrowed the gap, hinting at L.A.’s surging confidence.
4th Quarter
Howard’s basket gave Indiana a 10-point lead with 9:26 remaining.
L.A. responded with a decisive 35–17 run.
Kelsey Plum’s big three shifted momentum as time wound down.
Hamby and Stevens applied the final blows with late putbacks.
Final score: Sparks 85, Fever 75.
Player Performances
Natasha Howard (Indiana): Led the team early with six first-quarter points. Also notched eight by halftime, including the basket that stretched the lead to 10 late in the fourth.
Shey Peddy (L.A.): Made the buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter to keep L.A. alive, swinging momentum.
Kelsey Plum (L.A.): Hit the decisive three-pointer with just over four minutes left, giving the Sparks their first lead since early in the quarter.
Dearica Hamby & Azura Stevens (L.A.): Scored critical putbacks in the final minute to seal the victory.
Rickea Jackson (L.A.): Was a consistent offensive spark, tallying eight points in the fourth quarter.
Sophie Cunningham (Indiana): Contributed a timely three-pointer before halftime.
Emma Cannon (L.A.): Hit two free throws as the first quarter expired, giving her team a 20–19 edge.
Deeper Implications
1. Clark’s Recovery Timeline
With Clark in a slump and re-injured, her recovery is uncertain. The “day-to-day” grading is cautious, leaving open the possibility of more missed games. Indiana’s 2‑4 without her underscores how vital her scoring and leadership are. As they recover from Bonner’s departure and adjust post-Clark, Indiana must resolve depth and consistency issues.
2. Sparks’ Late‑Game DNA
Los Angeles showed the value of resilience and high-pressure defense. Despite early miscues—especially in the second quarter—they flipped the switch late. Steph Curry-ian in style, their late-game execution points to a team growing into its identity.
3. Strategic Ticking Points
Turnovers: Indiana won the turnover battle, forcing L.A. into 19 mistakes.
Three‑Point Efficiency: Indiana outpaced the Sparks from deep but neither team excelled.
Rebounding & Defense: L.A.’s ability to force turnovers and convert putbacks was key.
4. Indiana Woes Post‑Bonner
Losing Bonner’s veteran scoring and leadership creates a void. Her exit hasn’t just altered the rotation; it’s shaken morale and balance. The Fever must now rely more heavily on Clark—when healthy—and elevate their role players to fill the gap.
Looking Ahead
Fever
Must adapt quickly without Bonner and Clark.
Requires better shooting percentages—especially from three.
Needs to sustain defensive intensity beyond the early and late game.
Should allow backups more consistent roles to stabilize rotations.
Sparks
Should continue to build on their fourth-quarter confidence.
Needs to tighten their first-half defense and limit turnovers early.
Should highlight bench depth—Hamby, Stevens made key late contributions.
Summary
In summary, the Indiana Fever appeared on the verge of clinching victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, but they couldn’t close it out without Caitlin Clark. In her sixth missed game due to a groin injury—and following a prolonged slump from three-point range—their star guard’s absence was too much to overcome. The 85–75 loss drops Indiana to 2–4 without her this season. Meanwhile, the Sparks showcased fight and resilience, overcoming a second-quarter lull to dominate the fourth, spearheaded by Kelsey Plum’s big shot and crucial finishes from Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens.
With Clark’s status uncertain and veteran DeWanna Bonner no longer with the team, the Fever face serious questions about their depth, adaptability, and shot-making. Until Clark’s return and Bonner’s exit are fully absorbed, Indiana must balance pressing team development with recovering their early-season momentum.
This game was a microcosm of the current state of both franchises: Indiana’s dependence on their rookie phenom and younger pieces, and Los Angeles’s growth into a confident, late-game team capable of seizing momentum when it matters most.
Leave a Reply