Caitlin Clark Shines with Career-High as Indiana Fever Dominate Chicago Sky

Joe Budden, a retired rapper, compared Clark to Michael Jordan, saying, “Caitlin Clark is a hell of a lot better than Angel Reese…In no world did they ever compare Dennis Rodman rebounding a** with Jordan. They never did that.” He praised her dominant performance since the WNBA season resumed​ The SportsRush

Caitlin Clark delivered a standout performance with a career-high 31 points and 12 assists, leading the Indiana Fever to a commanding 100-81 victory over the Chicago Sky on Friday night. The rookie sensation shot 8-for-14 from the field, including 5-for-9 on three-pointers, marking her 11th double-double of the season. Clark’s impressive stats have made her the first WNBA player to achieve four games with 50-plus points scored or assisted on in a single season. She also became the only player to record three games with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a season.

Caitlin Clark brutally hammered during win over Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.

This is absolutely not a basketball play. pic.twitter.com/DPttfrnuRG

— OutKick (@Outkick) August 31, 2024

On the other side, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, setting a new rookie record with 23 double-doubles and surpassing Sylvia Fowles for the most rebounds in a single season for the Sky. Despite Reese’s individual success, the Sky struggled as a team, losing their third game in four matchups against the Fever and slipping further from playoff contention.

The Fever, who are now 16-16, have been on a roll since the Olympic break, going 5-1 and securing a likely playoff spot. The Sky, however, have found themselves on a downward trajectory, currently holding onto the last playoff position with a record of 11-20. The Fever capitalized on their strong performance, leading by as much as 27 points before the Sky managed a late 10-2 run to close the gap.

Friday’s game was a significant one, as it was the final regular-season meeting between Clark and Reese, two of the league’s top rookies. The Fever’s win not only solidified their playoff hopes but also added weight to Clark’s case for Rookie of the Year, potentially closing the door on the much-anticipated race with Reese.

The game drew a sellout crowd of 9,445 fans at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, featuring appearances by notable sports figures such as Shaquille O’Neal, Sue Bird, and Megan Rapinoe. The event was marked as “Barbie Night,” a nod to Reese’s nickname from her college days at LSU.

Kelsey Mitchell also contributed significantly to the Fever’s win, scoring 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting. The Fever showcased their depth, with NaLyssa Smith adding 14 points and Lexie Hull scoring 11. Despite being outrebounded 42-31, Indiana’s effective shooting and strong team play led them to their highest-scoring game of the season.

Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese & the Chicago Sky

31 pts (8-14 FGs) season high
12 asts
4 rebs

Big W tonight (statement gm) pic.twitter.com/Jh08MVEazA

— Van (@vanman_1000) August 31, 2024

The Fever’s performance highlighted their growing chemistry and confidence, with Clark noting the team’s improved understanding and ability to execute on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, the Sky’s struggles continue, as they grapple with injuries and a lack of consistency in their push for the playoffs.

With the regular season winding down, the Fever look poised for a strong playoff run, while the Sky will need to regroup quickly if they hope to extend their season.

Key Points:

i. Caitlin Clark led the Indiana Fever with a career-high 31 points and 12 assists in a 100-81 win over the Chicago Sky.

ii. Angel Reese set a new rookie record for double-doubles and broke the Sky’s single-season rebound record but couldn’t prevent her team’s loss.

iii. The Fever’s victory solidified their playoff position, while the Sky continue to fight for the last spot as the season nears its end.

iv. The game featured notable sports figures and a sellout crowd on “Barbie Night,” adding to the excitement of the matchup.

v. Indiana’s strong performance showcased their depth and growing confidence, while the Sky struggled to maintain consistency.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News