Kristina Roberts
The Indiana Fever secured a hard-fought 94-86 victory over the Seattle Storm in an intense WNBA matchup. Despite star rookie Caitlin Clark having one of her toughest games this season, the Fever relied on strong performances from Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to pull off the win. The game was physical from the start, with both teams battling hard, but Indiana’s teamwork and determination helped them maintain control for most of the night.
Aliyah Boston was unstoppable, scoring a career-high 31 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Her dominance in the paint gave the Fever a huge advantage, especially when the Storm struggled to defend against her. Kelsey Mitchell also stepped up, adding 26 points to keep the scoreboard ticking for Indiana. Even with DeWanna Bonner missing from the lineup, the Fever showed they have plenty of talent to rely on when key players have off nights.
Caitlin Clark, who has been one of the most exciting players this season, had a rare quiet game. She finished with just six points, her lowest of the season, and missed all six of her three-point attempts. While she did contribute nine assists, she also had eight turnovers, which made it a frustrating night for the young guard. This was only the sixth time in her WNBA career that she was held to single-digit points, showing just how unusual this performance was for her.
The game started aggressively, with both teams playing tough defense. Just two minutes into the first quarter, Aliyah Boston was called for a flagrant foul after blocking Nneka Ogwumike’s landing on a three-pointer. The Storm tried to keep up, but Indiana slowly built a six-point lead by halftime. When the second half began, the Fever came out even stronger, stretching their lead to as much as 19 points at one stage.
Seattle tried to fight back, but their shooting struggles made it difficult. They only made one three-pointer in the first half and turned the ball over 17 times throughout the game. Erica Wheeler tried to spark a comeback with back-to-back threes late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. The Fever’s defense held firm, and their balanced scoring ensured they stayed ahead until the final buzzer.
Lexie Hull, who grew up in Spokane, had a special night in front of her home-state crowd. She recorded her first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, including two crucial three-pointers. Her energy and hustle were key in keeping Indiana’s momentum going, especially when the Storm tried to make a late push.
After the game, Kelsey Mitchell praised the team’s effort, saying, “This was the first time all season we played a complete, competitive game from start to finish.” Her words highlighted how important this win was for the Fever, especially after a few tough losses recently.
For Caitlin Clark, this game was a reminder that even the best players have off nights. After her explosive performance against the Connecticut Sun earlier in the season, she has struggled in the last few games. Against the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces, she only managed 11 points in each game, and this matchup against Seattle was even tougher for her. However, basketball is a team sport, and the Fever proved they have the depth to win even when their star player isn’t at her best.
The Storm, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance. Nneka Ogwumike took a hard hit to the face in the third quarter but bravely returned to the game after a brief check-up. Despite her toughness, Seattle couldn’t overcome their shooting woes and turnovers. They’ll need to regroup quickly if they want to bounce back in their next game.
This victory was a big confidence booster for the Fever, who have had some ups and downs this season. Beating a strong team like the Storm on their home court shows that Indiana can compete with the best when they play together. Aliyah Boston’s breakout game was a major highlight, and if she continues playing at this level, the Fever could become even more dangerous as the season progresses.
As for Caitlin Clark, she’ll likely use this game as motivation to come back stronger. Even the greatest players face challenges, and how they respond defines their career. With her work ethic and talent, there’s no doubt she’ll be looking to make a big impact in the next game.
The WNBA season is long, and every game teaches teams something new. For the Fever, this win proved that they don’t have to rely on just one player to succeed. Teamwork, defense, and contributions from multiple stars can lead to victories, even against tough opponents. Fans will be excited to see how Indiana builds on this performance as they continue their journey through the season.
Meanwhile, the Storm will need to analyze what went wrong and make adjustments. Basketball is a game of runs, and every loss is a chance to learn and improve. With experienced players like Nneka Ogwumike and Jewell Loyd, Seattle has the leadership to turn things around quickly.
In the end, this game was a reminder of why basketball is so exciting—every night brings new heroes, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a career-high performance, a tough shooting night, or a hard-fought team win, the WNBA continues to deliver thrilling action for fans around the world.
