The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 78-73 to pick up their first win of the season after a five-game skid. Caitlin Clark recorded her first WNBA double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 18 points. Aliyah Boston and Temi Fagbenle also contributed with 17 points each. Clark, the No. 1 draft pick, played against the Sparks’ No. 2 pick Cameron Brink and fourth overall pick Rickea Jackson in a game that highlighted the youth and future of the league. The Fever’s head coach Christie Sides praised the impact that these young players are making in the WNBA.
The game was played in front of a record crowd of 19,103 at Crypto.com Arena. Notable celebrities and athletes in attendance included Jason Sudeikis, Rosie O’Donnell, Kathy Griffin, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson, USC star JuJu Watkins, along with teammates and coaches. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on both teams. Clark received applause and cheers from the crowd after making her first 3-pointer of the game. Despite struggling earlier in the game, she made a clutch shot in the final minutes to help secure the win for Indiana.
In the fourth quarter, Boston, Fagbenle, and Mitchell led the way for the Fever, with Mitchell hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to extend their lead. Brink and Jackson tried to rally the Sparks with their own scoring contributions, but Clark responded with another 3-pointer to maintain Indiana’s lead. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, shooting a combined 12 for 49 on 3-point attempts. The game was initially scheduled to be played in Long Beach, but was moved to downtown Los Angeles due to the presence of Clark and the Fever.
Following this victory, the Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces, while the Sparks will take on the Dallas Wings in their next games. The win was a much-needed confidence booster for Indiana after their slow start to the season. The combination of young talent like Clark, Mitchell, Boston, Fagbenle, Brink, and Jackson showcased the bright future of the WNBA. The game featured exciting moments and highlights, with the crowd fully engaged in the action. Overall, it was a memorable night for both teams and a significant milestone for the Fever as they secured their first win of the season.
