The Los Angeles Sparks secured a hard-fought 89-87 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday, July 5, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This nail-biting win marks the second time in as many weeks that the Sparks have defeated the Fever, following an 85-75 triumph on June 26. The loss snapped the Fever’s impressive three-game winning streak, a run achieved despite the continued absence of star guard Caitlin Clark.
The game, played before a crowd of 17,274 fans, was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. The Indiana Fever started strong, establishing an early lead and holding an eight-point advantage at one point. They concluded the first quarter with a 23-21 lead and maintained a narrow 45-42 edge going into halftime. During a halftime interview on NBA TV, Fever forward-center Aliyah Boston emphasized the need for defensive discipline, stating, "We have to be a lot more disciplined on the defensive end. They’re getting some pretty clean looks. They’ve gotten some second-chance points. So we have to make sure we clean that up."
However, the Los Angeles Sparks mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Fever to take a 70-69 lead heading into the final period. The fourth quarter saw both teams trade blows, with the game’s outcome decided in the final seconds. The Fever had an opportunity to win or force overtime, but Aliyah Boston’s shot attempt at the buzzer ultimately fell short, sealing the Sparks’ narrow two-point victory.
The Sparks’ balanced offensive attack proved crucial, with four of their five starters reaching double-digit scoring. Azura Stevens led the charge, delivering a dominant performance with a team-high 21 points and 12 rebounds, securing a double-double. Kelsey Plum contributed significantly with 20 points, three assists, and three rebounds. Forward Dearica Hamby added 18 points, and Rickea Jackson chipped in with 15 points. The Sparks demonstrated efficient shooting, finishing the game with a 49.2% field goal percentage and an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc, while committing only 8 turnovers (ESPN, USA Today).
For the Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston was a standout performer, matching Stevens with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Natasha Howard also had a strong outing, nearly achieving a double-double herself with 21 points and nine rebounds. Despite their individual efforts, the Fever’s overall shooting percentages were slightly lower than the Sparks’, with a 48.6% field goal percentage and 35.0% from three-point range. They also had 10 turnovers (ESPN, USA Today).
A significant storyline surrounding the Fever continues to be the absence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Clark missed her fifth consecutive game due to a left groin injury, marking her tenth game missed this season. This includes the Fever’s 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup final on July 1. Despite her absence, the Fever have shown resilience, winning three games prior to this loss to the Sparks. Clark has reportedly begun participating in drills and was seen on the bench during Saturday’s game. Fever coach Stephanie White has indicated that the team’s ideal scenario for Clark’s return would be when she is fully recovered and not subject to minutes restrictions (USA Today).
Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever will aim to bounce back when they host the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, July 9. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks will look to continue their momentum as they host the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, July 10 (USA Today).
