The Indiana Fever didn’t go away. They just haven’t played in more than a week.
They’re eager to get back on the court for Sunday’s game at the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
“The players are probably looking forward to it,” Indiana coach Stephanie White said. “Certainly, nobody likes to practice this much.”
After defeating the visiting Los Angeles Sparks 111-87 on June 27, the Fever (11-8) had ample practice time to prepare for their first meeting this season with the Aces (15-5).
Las Vegas spent Friday night earning a 98-90 home victory against the Chicago Sky, which marked the 500th win in franchise history.
“It has been fun to be part of the early days, but also the present day where I get the privilege to watch a lot of great brilliance out there,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.
Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have been selected as WNBA All-Star Game starters.
“I think it’s awesome,” White said.
Both sides could be missing some star power Sunday. Las Vegas center A’ja Wilson, also selected to be an All-Star starter, missed the team’s past two games with a leg injury. She averages a league-leading 25.7 points per game.
Clark, even with the Fever’s long layoff, won’t play Sunday in Las Vegas as she continues to rehabilitate a back injury. The Fever won both games Clark missed this season.
“But I’m feeling a lot better,” Clark said, expecting to play within the next week. She was the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Month for June.
With Clark out, it gives veteran guard Tyasha Harris a second consecutive start. Harris set season highs with 16 points and five rebounds in the team’s most recent game.
Former Fever player NaLyssa Smith had 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting Friday for the Aces. Las Vegas guard Chelsea Gray delivered clutch plays late in regulation and in overtime.
“It’s in her DNA,” Hammon said. “She likes the big moments.”
The Fever could have some new twists.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to continue to get better, to continue to add some things, to address some areas of slippage,” White said. “The opportunity to get in the gym and to really get to work has been really great for us, but certainly everybody is itching to get a game.”
Mitchell led Indiana in scoring the past two games, posting 30 and 26 points respectively in those outings.
This marks the beginning of a four-game road trip out west for the Fever.
–Field Level Media
