Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever delivered another spectacular performance defeating the Chicago Sky 100-81 and claiming their 16th win of the season.
In a game that blended basketball brilliance with a touch of Hollywood glamour, the Indiana Fever painted Wintrust Arena pink, securing their 16th victory of the season with a 100-81 triumph over the Chicago Sky on ‘Barbie Night.’ The evening was a celebration of Angel Reese’s iconic college nickname, ‘Bayou Barbie,’ and the Fever rose to the occasion, delivering a performance worthy of the spotlight.
Caitlin Clark’s Historic Night
Caitlin Clark stole the show, etching her name in the WNBA history books with a career-high 31 points, four rebounds, and 12 assists. This remarkable feat marks the first-ever 31-point, 12-assist game in the league’s history, solidifying Clark’s status as a rising star.
Mitchell and Smith Shine
Kelsey Mitchell continued her impressive form, contributing 23 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting. NaLyssa Smith also played a crucial role, adding 14 points and seven rebounds to the Fever’s tally.
Star-Studded Crowd
The ‘Barbie Night’ festivities drew a sellout crowd of 9,445 to Wintrust Arena, including NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, WNBA icon Sue Bird (who once had her own Barbie doll), and soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe. The atmosphere was electric, with fans reveling in the unique blend of sport and pop culture. According to WGN9 in Chicago, the average ticket price for Sky vs Fever was $884. With other sources citing price highs of $4,000 court side, making the game the highest ticket prices in WNBA history.
Reese’s Record-Breaking Performance
Despite the loss, Angel Reese made her mark on the game, securing 10 points and 11 rebounds. This double-double achievement broke a tie with Tina Charles for rookie double-doubles, setting a new Chicago season record. Reese also etched her name in the record books with a rookie-record 399 rebounds, showcasing her immense potential.
Fever’s Playoff Push
The Indiana Fever are riding a wave of momentum, winning five of their last six games since the Olympic break and surging back to a .500 record. This impressive run has propelled them into sixth place, overtaking the Phoenix Mercury. With Caitlin Clark’s historic performance and the team’s overall stellar play, the Fever are not only poised to make a splash in the postseason but are also on the cusp of clinching their first playoff berth since 2016 – a testament to their remarkable turnaround this season.
