INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — As the final seconds ticked away on Saturday, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark launched the ball high into the air, signaling the end of the game. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell began to applaud, marking a moment of celebration for the Fever after a series of home defeats.
In a riveting clash between college adversaries Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and amidst the debut of former South Carolina standout Kamilla Cardoso in her professional regular-season career before a packed house at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clark delivered a standout performance. She recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, leading her team to a narrow 71-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Pride Day.
“It was wonderful, and it came at an opportune moment,” Clark remarked post-game, having secured the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup victory. “Our fans were incredible. They were truly energized. Even though our shooting was not up to par collectively, which can be tough for the audience, I believe they truly valued our defensive effort tonight.”
Clark’s efforts were bolstered by her teammates, particularly as Marina Mabrey of the Sky missed her first free throw with 6.6 seconds remaining, leaving the game at a one-point margin before Clark’s final ball toss.
Mitchell contributed 18 points, NaLyssa Smith added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Kristy Wallace and Aliyah Boston each chipped in with 10 points. Boston, a former South Carolina teammate of Cardoso, also secured eight rebounds, helping the Fever (2-8) end a three-game losing streak.
This game transcended mere statistics and scores. It featured three of the top seven draft picks from this year’s class—a remarkable cohort poised to redefine the WNBA’s future. Fever fans were treated to a showcase of the top four draft picks and five of the top seven throughout the week.
Clark edged out two players who thwarted her NCAA championship ambitions, despite receiving a jarring shoulder check from Chennedy Carter before an inbound pass in the third quarter, which was penalized as an away-from-the-ball foul.
Carter declined to address questions regarding Clark.
“It was unexpected,” Clark reflected. “It’s a physical game. You just have to make the free throw and execute offensively, and I feel we managed that well.”
The rematches between Clark—twice NCAA Player of the Year and twice Division I national runner-up—against Cardoso, who clinched her second title with the Gamecocks in March, and Reese, who led LSU to the 2023 national championship, were particularly compelling.
Reese opted not to speak to reporters after the game.
Before the match, Fever coach Christie Sides highlighted the rivalry between the Midwestern teams. The pregame festivities featured a loud ovation for Clark and a mix of boos and cheers for Reese, capturing the intensity of the encounter.
Reese finished with eight points and 13 rebounds, while Cardoso, in her first game since a shoulder injury on May 3, scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds in 18 minutes. However, Cardoso was penalized for a foul leading to Boston’s crucial three-point play with 1:19 remaining, which proved decisive.
“Her first game back, and she performed well,” noted Carter, who led the Sky (3-4) with 19 points and six assists. “She’s not used to closing games, so let’s give her some time.”
Marina Mabrey added 15 points and nine rebounds for Chicago.
Cardoso made her debut midway through the first quarter and quickly made her presence felt, contributing six points and four rebounds during a six-minute period that saw the Sky erase a 22-16 deficit and seize the lead. The momentum shifted as Cardoso exited midway through the second quarter, but Clark spearheaded Indiana’s resurgence with a 9-0 run before halftime, putting the Fever ahead 35-31.
Chicago fought back to tie the game at 37 early in the second half, but Indiana responded with six consecutive points and finished the third quarter with a 54-49 lead. Despite a late rally by the Sky, closing the game on a 12-3 run, they fell short.
Clark remarked, “Earlier in the season, if we had shot like this, we wouldn’t have won due to our lack of resilience affecting our defense. I’m proud of our grit.”
