The Indiana Fever saw their four-game winning streak end Sunday in an 88-87 defeat to the host Chicago Sky. On Thursday, Indiana travels farther west, looking to bounce back against the Seattle Storm.
Seattle (10-6) welcomes Caitlin Clark and Indiana (7-11) off a historic individual performance for Clark. Against Chicago, Clark created an Indiana franchise record with 13 assists.
“She sees the floor. She sees lanes, passing lanes,” coach Christie Sides said. “She sees things as they’re happening. Sometimes before the player who’s going to get the ball even realizes it. It’s a gift that she has.”
However, Indiana was outscored 15-5 in the final six minutes of Sunday’s defeat. The Fever struggled against Chicago’s post presence, sending the Sky to the line 12 times in the final quarter. It’s the second game in a row for Indiana where its opponent shot more than 30 free throws in a game.
On the other side of the court, Seattle comes in off a benchmark victory. Sunday, the Storm defeated the Connecticut Sun 72-61. Seattle’s defense created a season low for Connecticut in scoring and the Storm on defense.
Standing out in the victory was second-year guard Jordan Horston. Defensively, Horston led Seattle with three steals, holding the Sun’s backcourt starting guard duo to a combined 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting. Offensively, Horston scored 10 points with seven rebounds. Plus, all three of Horston’s assists went to Ezi Magbegor.
“We’re locked in. We’re accountability partners, so we already have a connection off the court,” Magbegor said. “With Jordan, this year I’ve seen a step up in her guard skills, obviously. She was more of a post for us last year but the way she’s able to push the ball in transition. I know she loves scanning the floor so I’m ready for those outlet passes.”
Thursday is the second time Indiana has traveled to Seattle this season, losing 85-83 on May 22. Clark’s team-high 21 points wasn’t enough to overcome a season-high 32-point game by Jewell Loyd.
Seattle also beat the Fever 103-88 on May 30 at Indianapolis.
–Field Level Media
