Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, helping the team snap a five-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Sparks 78-73. The game took place in front of a record crowd of 19,103, with several Hollywood stars in attendance. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 18 points, while Aliyah Boston and Temi Fagbenle added 17 points each. Clark, the first overall pick in the WNBA draft, missed her first seven 3-point attempts but finally made one in the fourth quarter, leading to cheers from the crowd and a high-five from actor Ashton Kutcher.
The game showcased the young talent in the WNBA, with Clark facing off against second overall pick Cameron Brink and fourth selection Rickea Jackson of the Sparks. Both Brink and Jackson had impressive performances, with Brink scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Jackson contributed a career-high 16 points off the bench. Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The star-studded crowd included celebrities like Jason Sudeikis, Rosie O’Donnell, and athletes such as DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson.
Despite trailing early in the game, Indiana’s Boston, Fagbenle, and Mitchell dominated the fourth quarter, with Mitchell hitting key 3-pointers. The Sparks attempted a comeback, with Brink and Lexie Brown scoring to cut the deficit to 73-71. However, Clark responded with another deep 3-pointer to secure a 76-71 lead for Indiana. The Fever struggled from long range, shooting just 7-of-25, while the Sparks were 5-of-24. The game was moved from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles to accommodate Clark and the Fever.
In the third quarter, the Fever mounted a comeback, going on a 16-3 run to take the lead at 50-48. Fagbenle and Boston carried the scoring load during this stretch, with Fagbenle’s 3-pointer sealing the spurt. Although Clark did not score during this run, she contributed with a steal at midcourt, leading to a basket by Boston. Fever coach Christie Sides praised Clark for her leadership on the court, noting that she ran the offense effectively and hit key shots when needed. The two teams are set to face each other again in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Overall, Clark’s performance was instrumental in the Fever’s victory, marking her first WNBA double-double. The young talent on display, including top draft picks like Brink and Jackson, bodes well for the future of the league. With a supportive crowd and contributions from key players like Mitchell and Boston, the Fever were able to secure their first win of the season. The game was a showcase of exciting basketball and highlights the growing popularity of the WNBA among fans and celebrities alike.
