Sports
Fever Triumph Over Storm in Thrilling Showdown
INDIANAPOLIS — What a game for the Indiana Fever! They finally broke their losing streak against the Seattle Storm, turning the tables with an impressive win. It was a real team effort, with standout performances from Kelsey Mitchell and rookie Caitlin Clark, who both played their hearts out.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 27 points, and Caitlin Clark followed closely behind with 23. But the star of the show was Lexie Hull, who scored a career-high 22 points. She was on fire from the 3-point line, making six out of seven attempts!
Lexie Hull has always been recognized for her defensive skills, often tasked with guarding the toughest opponents. On this occasion, she had the job of slowing down Jewell Loyd, a player who had previously dominated the Fever. Although Loyd scored 23 points, her impact wasn’t enough as Hull’s defense contributed significantly to Indiana’s win.
In the first half, the Fever struggled to find their rhythm, but Hull turned things around with her sharpshooting. She made two crucial 3-pointers that helped the team take the lead by halftime, going from a slow start to finishing strongly as they led 35-34.
The crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse really got into the game, especially in the fourth quarter where the Fever exploded offensively. They scored a whopping 33 points in that final period, thanks to 80% shooting from beyond the arc, which included four more 3-pointers from Hull.
The rookie, Caitlin Clark, didn’t just score; she also broke a 26-year-old WNBA record for assists in a rookie season, achieving her 225th assist during the game. She was congratulated by the record-holder herself, Ticha Penicheiro, showing how much respect she’s earning in the league.
For Hull, having her family courtside made the night even more special. She expressed her joy in having her grandma and sister watching her play. With a crowd of 17,272 fans cheering them on, the Fever are building momentum as they aim for a playoff spot.
Coach Christie Sides couldn’t be prouder of her team’s performance. She emphasized how the energy from the crowd felt like a championship atmosphere, elevating the players’ experiences and their performance.