The Indiana Fever may have been without their superstar rookie Caitlin Clark, but that didn’t stop them from making a major statement in Commissioner’s Cup play. In a game many viewed as a potential setback due to Clark’s absence, the Fever rose to the occasion and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, dominating the Chicago Sky from the opening tip to the final buzzer in what turned out to be a crucial victory in the early-season Commissioner’s Cup standings.
Clark, who has drawn national attention and record-breaking ratings since entering the WNBA, was ruled out shortly before the game due to a minor ankle injury sustained in practice. Her absence was certainly felt by fans in the building and across the broadcast, but the rest of the Fever squad used it as motivation. Rather than retreating or folding without their leader on the floor, Indiana looked energized, unified, and inspired. The team embraced the challenge, leaned on one another, and put together a wire-to-wire performance that served notice to the rest of the league: this team is far more than just one player.
From the jump, it was clear that Indiana came into this matchup with intensity and purpose. The Fever set the tone defensively, harassing the Sky on the perimeter and clogging up passing lanes to create turnovers and fast break opportunities. Offensively, they played with cohesion and tempo, moving the ball well and finding high-percentage looks. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, who has long been one of the most consistent scorers in the league, stepped up in a massive way. She poured in 27 points, nailed five three-pointers, and served as the team’s emotional anchor. Whenever Chicago looked poised to go on a run, it was Mitchell who responded with a big shot or timely assist.
NaLyssa Smith also delivered in a major way, posting a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Her interior presence was crucial, particularly on the defensive glass where she helped neutralize the Sky’s second-chance opportunities. Aliyah Boston, the reigning Rookie of the Year and rising star in her own right, added 14 points and 7 rebounds, working in tandem with Smith to dominate the paint and impose their will physically. It was the kind of performance that fans and analysts have been waiting to see from this talented frontcourt duo—and it came at the perfect time.
Perhaps most impressive was the contribution from the Fever bench, which collectively scored 28 points and provided vital minutes throughout the game. Erica Wheeler brought her usual energy and leadership to the floor, dishing out 8 assists and orchestrating the offense with poise and precision. Kristy Wallace hit some key shots, and Temi Fagbenle provided solid minutes as a backup big, further underscoring the team’s depth and readiness to compete even without their marquee name.
Chicago, on the other hand, looked disjointed and outmatched from the start. Despite strong individual performances from Marina Mabrey and rookie sensation Angel Reese, the Sky couldn’t keep up with Indiana’s pace or intensity. Mabrey finished with 19 points and 4 assists, while Reese posted a respectable 12 points and 9 rebounds, but turnovers and defensive breakdowns plagued Chicago all night. Their transition defense in particular was exposed, as Indiana routinely got out and ran off of live-ball turnovers and defensive rebounds. The Sky were also unable to capitalize on Clark’s absence, missing an opportunity to control the tempo and exploit mismatches on the perimeter.
It’s a win that could have major implications down the line, not just in terms of morale, but also for the Fever’s standing in the Commissioner’s Cup. The in-season tournament format rewards performance in designated games, and each victory moves a team closer to securing a spot in the final and potentially earning bonus cash prizes. For Indiana, who has been building steadily and looking to return to playoff relevance, every win matters—especially one against a regional rival like the Sky.
But more than that, this win was a reminder of how far this franchise has come in a short time. Just a couple of seasons ago, the Fever were in the league’s basement, lacking identity and consistent contributors. Now, under the leadership of head coach Christie Sides and a young but hungry core, they are developing into a cohesive unit with depth, versatility, and growing confidence. Sides has preached toughness and togetherness all year, and this game was a clear reflection of that ethos.
The Fever didn’t just survive without Clark—they thrived. They played connected, confident basketball, trusted one another, and executed the game plan to near perfection. Sides praised her team postgame, noting how proud she was of the collective effort and how everyone stepped up in Clark’s absence. “This is what it means to be a team,” she said. “We knew Caitlin was out, but nobody flinched. We have a locker room full of professionals who believe in one another, and tonight, we showed what we’re capable of.”
Of course, Clark’s health remains a storyline to monitor. The Fever were quick to emphasize that her injury was minor and that her absence was precautionary. With the grind of a long season ahead and the stakes of the Commissioner’s Cup rising, it made sense to rest her rather than risk aggravating the issue. Clark has proven herself to be a fierce competitor, and there’s no doubt she’ll be eager to rejoin her teammates as soon as she’s cleared.
In the meantime, the rest of the Fever roster just made a compelling statement: they’re not just passengers on the Caitlin Clark express. They’re drivers of their own destiny, and they’re capable of rising to the occasion when the lights are bright and the stakes are high.
It’s the kind of win that builds character and belief. For a young team still figuring out how to win consistently, it could prove to be a turning point. More than the final score or the box score, what mattered most was the message this performance sent—not just to the league, but to themselves. They can win without their biggest star. They can dominate with grit and hustle. They can show up when it matters most.
The road ahead won’t get any easier. The Fever have a tough slate coming up, including back-to-back matchups against some of the WNBA’s top contenders. But now, they’ll approach those games with renewed confidence and a stronger sense of identity. They’ve tasted what it feels like to succeed together, to overcome adversity, and to shut down the noise.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve discovered a new gear. A new resolve. A blueprint for what winning Fever basketball can look like—with or without Caitlin Clark.
While the headlines may center around her absence, the true story of this night belongs to those who stepped up, answered the bell, and reminded the basketball world that Indiana’s rise is real. For one night, the Fever weren’t defined by who was missing. They were defined by who showed up. And they showed up in a big, bold, unforgettable way.
