In a dazzling showcase of talent, Caitlin Clark delivered a career-defining performance, amassing 31 points and dishing out 12 assists in her final regular-season duel against the remarkable Angel Reese. The Indiana Fever surged to a resounding 100-81 victory over the struggling Chicago Sky on Friday night. Clark’s shooting prowess was evident as she connected on 8 of 14 field goals, including 5 of 9 from beyond the arc, securing her 11th double-double of the season. Notably, Clark is the sole player to record three games with a minimum of 25 points and 10 rebounds in a single season and stands as the first WNBA athlete to surpass 50 points scored or assisted in four games within one season.
On the opposing side, Reese contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds, setting a new benchmark for rookie double-doubles with 23, surpassing Tina Charles. Additionally, she eclipsed Sylvia Fowles for the Chicago season record, achieving this feat with 1:32 remaining—well after Clark and the other Indiana starters had exited the game. Reese also set a rookie record with 399 rebounds.
Clark’s spectacular performance may well have sealed the Rookie of the Year debate as the Fever (16-16) triumphed over the Sky (11-20) for the third time in four encounters. This win solidifies their likely playoff berth while the Sky cling to the final playoff spot as the season draws to a close.
Previous matchups between these teams were narrowly contested, with each team securing a pair of one-point victories. However, this game was a complete rout. Indiana notched a season-high in points, while Chicago conceded a season-high.
“We executed exceptionally well tonight, and this win is monumental for us,” Clark remarked. “In a playoff race, it’s almost as if a victory like this counts double—both a win and a loss for the opponent. We were focused on clinching the season series against them, which was a significant objective.”
The game attracted a full house of 9,445 at Wintrust Arena for Barbie Night, a nod to Reese’s college moniker, Bayou Barbie. Among the attendees were Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, Sue Bird—who had her own Barbie doll during her Seattle Storm tenure—and soccer icon Megan Rapinoe.
For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, marking her sixth consecutive game with 20 or more points. Indiana has been in impressive form, with a 5-1 record since the Olympic break. NaLyssa Smith contributed 14 points, while Lexie Hull added 11.
“We’ve developed a deeper understanding of each other,” Clark said regarding the team’s current momentum. “Building chemistry and playing together over time enhances confidence. You’re seeing that development. … I’m proud of this group. We’re sharing the ball effectively, taking quality shots, which aids our transition game and bolsters our defense as well.”
Despite being outrebounded 42-31, the Fever excelled with 28 points in the paint and shot 48.5% from the field, compiling 26 assists on 32 baskets.
For the Sky, Michaela Onyenwere led with 20 points, while Lindsay Allen scored 19 and Rachel Banham contributed 14. The Sky were without Chennedy Carter (17.2 points per game), who missed her second consecutive game due to health and safety protocols.
Chicago initially seized control with an 11-0 run, establishing a 21-9 lead. However, Indiana closed the first quarter on a 12-2 run to trail 26-23. The Sky scored four of their season-high nine 3-pointers in the opening period.
“Aside from the first six minutes, I thought we played exceptionally well,” Clark observed. “We maintained solid defense. I’m proud of how we competed and kept the game from getting close at the end, which had been a problem in our previous matchup here. We knew they were a formidable fourth-quarter team, but we fought hard and prevailed.”
Clark ignited the second quarter with a pair of 3-pointers, propelling the Fever to a 34-12 run, giving them a 10-point lead on Mitchell’s 3-pointer. Chicago managed to trim the deficit to 47-41 at halftime, aided by a Reese free throw, a result of a technical foul on Aliyah Boston, who had expressed frustration over a non-call.
The Fever extended their lead to 11 early in the third quarter, but the Sky remained competitive until Damiris Dantas hit a 3-pointer and Hull made two free throws following an offensive rebound as time expired. Heading into the fourth quarter, Indiana led 76-64, with Smith contributing 11 points in the third period.
The lead ballooned to 27 before Chicago closed the game with a 10-2 run.
“We can go up or down,” Reese said. “We don’t want to continue this losing streak. It’s an unpleasant feeling for all of us.”