Indiana Fever Dominate Chicago Sky Yet Again Despite Caitlin Clark’s Absence: A Deep Dive into Their Third Showdown of 2025
In a season already filled with dramatic highs and lows for both franchises, the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky met for the third time this year on a pivotal Sunday. Each squad entered the contest missing their star rookies—Indiana without their talismanic All-Star guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago without rising frontcourt force Angel Reese. Yet the storyline of dominance continued, with the Fever once again exerting their superiority over the Sky. In a game defined by sizzling perimeter shooting, historic individual feats, and a decisive bench differential, the Fever emerged with a commanding 93–78 win.
For the Indiana Fever, this victory extended an undeniable pattern of dominance over their Midwest rivals. It was their third consecutive win over the Sky in 2025, with each margin stretching beyond 15 points—a rare feat of consistent superiority in league play. The game also reinforced the Fever’s evolving identity, where different players rise to the occasion in the absence of their headline star, Caitlin Clark.
Kelsey Mitchell’s Offensive Clinic: A Historic Performance
Indiana’s clear leader on the night was none other than veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, who delivered what might be remembered as one of the most electric performances of her career. Lighting up the scoreboard for 35 points, Mitchell was nearly unstoppable on 12-of-19 shooting from the field. She added six assists and three steals, showcasing her two-way excellence and leadership in guiding Indiana’s offense.
Her long-range marksmanship was particularly noteworthy. Mitchell connected on seven three-pointers, finding the bottom of the net repeatedly from deep. With her combination of volume and efficiency, she carved her name into the WNBA history books. She became the first player in league history to record a game with at least 35 points, six assists, three steals, and seven made three-pointers. This milestone not only reflected her offensive prowess but cemented her place among the league’s elite all-time scorers.
Mitchell’s scoring flurries came in key moments—halting Chicago’s comeback attempts and punctuating Indiana’s momentum-building runs. Time and again, she broke the Sky’s defensive coverages with a blend of speed, ball-handling craft, and off-ball movement. For a team missing its primary playmaker in Caitlin Clark, Mitchell’s ability to both create and finish was the fulcrum upon which Indiana’s entire offense rotated.
Aliyah Boston’s All-Around Dominance and Record-Making Assist Milestone
While Mitchell drew headlines for her scorching offense, Aliyah Boston quietly orchestrated one of the most complete stat lines of the WNBA season. The second-year center and former No. 1 overall pick delivered 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. Her contributions touched every area of the game—from interior defense to secondary playmaking.
What stood out most wasn’t just her performance in this specific game, but what it represented over the season. Boston officially became the fastest center in WNBA history to record 100 assists in a single season—a remarkable feat given her position. In an era where frontcourt players are increasingly expected to initiate offense and facilitate movement, Boston’s passing IQ and vision exemplify the modern center archetype.
Her ability to draw defenders in the post, then kick the ball out to shooters like Mitchell, or to cut to teammates in motion, showcased her court awareness and timing. Defensively, she anchored the paint with physicality and intelligence, contesting shots while avoiding unnecessary fouls. Boston’s presence on both ends continues to be a game-changing factor for the Fever.
Banham Leads the Sky, but Bench Disparity Proves Costly
Chicago, for their part, was led by guard Rachel Banham, who delivered a spirited effort with a season-high 26 points. With the Sky missing Angel Reese, much of the offensive load fell on Banham’s shoulders, and she responded with aggressive scoring from all levels of the court. Her jumper was falling early, and she kept Chicago within striking distance for stretches of the game.
Three additional Sky players reached double-digit scoring totals, but the team was ultimately undone by a lack of support from the second unit. The contrast in bench production was stark. Indiana’s reserves exploded for 29 points—energizing the team during key minutes when the starters rested. Chicago’s bench, on the other hand, managed only four points all game, highlighting one of the night’s most glaring imbalances.
The disparity spoke to the depth and cohesion that Indiana has developed over the course of the season. Whether it was Kristy Wallace coming in to provide perimeter defense and timely shooting, or Temi Fagbenle offering a strong inside presence, Indiana’s bench ensured the team didn’t miss a beat when its stars sat. Chicago simply didn’t have the same luxury, and that lack of depth haunted them for the third straight game against the Fever.
A Season Series of Dominance: Fever’s Total Control Over Sky in 2025
With Sunday’s win, Indiana extended its season series lead to 3–0 over the Sky. And it hasn’t been close. According to Fever play-by-play announcer Pat Boylan, Indiana is the only team this season to defeat the same opponent by 15 or more points in three separate games. The Fever have outscored Chicago by a combined 77 points across their meetings thus far.
The numbers are staggering. In their season opener, Indiana set the tone with a 93–58 demolition of the Sky. Caitlin Clark starred in that game, recording a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, adding two steals and four blocks. It was a historic debut performance that introduced Clark to the WNBA in spectacular fashion.
When the teams met again on June 7, Indiana posted a 79–52 victory. Despite Clark sitting out due to injury, the team hardly missed a step. Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard carried the scoring load, combining for 30 points and 10 rebounds, while the defense locked down Chicago once again.
Each of these games has shown Indiana’s ability to impose their will on Chicago, whether through pace, shooting, rebounding, or defensive execution. The Sky have yet to solve Indiana’s defensive schemes or slow their perimeter shooting. And when Caitlin Clark is available, the challenge only intensifies.
What This Means for the Fever Going Forward
Indiana’s third victory over Chicago solidifies their momentum heading into a crucial stretch of the 2025 season. With two more games left to play against the Sky—both at home on August 9 and September 5—the Fever have a chance to sweep the season series, a rare achievement in the tightly contested WNBA.
The game also highlights Indiana’s growing maturity and versatility. Winning without Caitlin Clark, especially for four straight games, is no small feat. It speaks to the depth of the roster, the resilience of its core, and the leadership of players like Mitchell and Boston. Head coach Christie Sides deserves credit as well, having implemented a system where multiple players are empowered to lead.
If the Fever can stay healthy and continue to integrate their star rookie Clark upon her return, this team could become a real postseason threat. They have already proven they can dominate without her—imagine the ceiling with her back in the lineup.
Chicago’s Struggles Without Angel Reese
On the flip side, Chicago must grapple with mounting concerns. The absence of Angel Reese has left a significant void—especially on the boards and in transition. Without her relentless rebounding and inside scoring, the Sky are struggling to compete physically against elite frontcourts like Indiana’s.
Reese brings a competitive fire that’s contagious, and her ability to anchor the paint allows Chicago’s guards to play more freely. Without her, there’s a noticeable dip in energy and interior toughness. The Sky’s upcoming schedule doesn’t get much easier, and finding a way to stay afloat in the standings while Reese recovers will be key to their playoff hopes.
Moreover, their bench production—or lack thereof—has become a significant liability. Against deeper teams like Indiana, failing to get meaningful contributions from the reserves puts extra strain on the starters, especially late in games. Without reinforcements or internal improvements, the Sky risk falling further behind in the standings.
Looking Ahead: August and September Matchups Loom Large
As we turn the page to the final third of the WNBA season, all eyes will be on the remaining two matchups between these rivals. With Indiana already holding a 3–0 lead, the August 9 and September 5 games—both hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse—could allow the Fever to not only sweep the season series but to continue building their case as one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the league.
These future contests may also feature a long-awaited reunion between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the court—two rookies whose collegiate rivalry captivated the nation and now continues to evolve at the professional level. Both players have missed games in this year’s matchups, so the prospect of seeing them go head-to-head adds extra excitement for fans.
For now, Indiana is flying high, with a clear identity, veteran leadership, and a growing sense of confidence even without their brightest star. Meanwhile, the Sky are left searching for answers in a season that has offered flashes of potential but few consistent results.
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