Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese renewed their rivalry on Saturday in a thrilling WNBA matchup, marking their first meeting as professional athletes. The Indiana Fever secured a narrow 71-70 victory over the Chicago Sky, adding to the excitement of the game. Here are three key takeaways from one of the WNBA’s biggest games this season.
Indiana Fever’s Defense Fuels Second Win of the Season
The Indiana Fever’s defense was a crucial factor in their victory, showcasing a significant improvement from their previous performances. The team had struggled defensively in their first nine games, ranking last in the WNBA in points allowed per game (91.2). Opponents had been shooting a league-best 46.5 percent against them, and the Fever were only forcing 12.6 turnovers per game, the fourth-lowest mark in the league.
However, against the Chicago Sky, the Fever’s defense was transformed. They held the Sky to their second-lowest point total of the season, allowing only 40.6 percent shooting. Forward Aliyah Boston tied her career-high with four blocks, her most in a game this season, marking her first four-block game since August 27, 2023.
Chicago’s 70 points were the fewest the Fever (2-8) have given up in 2024. To turn their season around, the Fever need to maintain this defensive intensity throughout the remaining games.
Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso: A Formidable Duo
Angel Reese, the 2023 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player (MOP), had a standout performance despite the narrow loss. Reese set a Sky rookie franchise record for offensive rebounds in a game with eight and finished with 13 rebounds. She also had a highlight steal on a second-quarter pass from Caitlin Clark.
“Well hello, Angel Reese!” tweeted Nekias Duncan, highlighting Reese’s impressive play.
Reese’s 35 offensive rebounds through seven games are the second-most in league history, trailing only Yolanda Griffith’s 43 with the Sacramento Monarchs in 1999.
Kamilla Cardoso, the 2024 NCAA Tournament MOP, made her WNBA debut after missing Chicago’s first six games with a shoulder injury. The former South Carolina star played 18 minutes off the bench, scoring 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting and adding six rebounds. Cardoso finished with a game-high plus-11 plus-minus among all players and could quickly challenge Elizabeth Williams for more playing time.
A Slow Start Doesn’t Hurt Indiana Pacers Home Attendance
Despite entering Saturday’s game with a 1-8 record, the Indiana Fever managed to draw a sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The 12 p.m. ET start saw 17,274 fans in attendance for Indiana’s first home win of the season. This remarkable turnout has already surpassed the franchise’s total home attendance from 2023. Caitlin Clark’s arrival has invigorated the fan base, and as the young Fever team continues to develop, their supporters can provide a strong home-court advantage.
A Promising Future for Caitlin Clark
The first WNBA showdown between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese lived up to the hype, offering a glimpse of a bright future for both players and their respective teams. The Indiana Fever’s improved defense, coupled with the impressive performances of Reese and Cardoso for the Chicago Sky, made for an exciting game that captivated fans.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Fever’s Defensive Improvement: Significant defensive effort leading to their second win.
- Angel Reese’s Record Performance: Setting a rookie franchise record for offensive rebounds.
- Kamilla Cardoso’s Impactful Debut: Strong performance in her first WNBA game.
- Fan Engagement: Sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse despite the Fever’s slow start.
Source- Yardbarker
