Kelsey Mitchell scorched Chicago with 35 points and seven 3‑pointers as the Indiana Fever beat the Sky 93–78. With Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese sidelined, explore player stats, injury updates, where to watch tonight, and key insights for Fever vs Sky matchups.
🎮 Fever vs Sky Recap: Mitchell’s 35 Carry Fever to Win
On July 27, the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 93–78 in Chicago. Kelsey Mitchell was sensational, pouring in 35 points, hitting seven 3‑pointers, and adding six assists. She delivered her franchise-record ninth 30-point game, indeed the first Fever player to hit 35+ points in under 30 minutes across the team’s history.
Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, plus 2 steals and 2 blocks. Rookie Makayla Timpson posted a career-high 14 points off the bench. Chicago was led by Rachel Banham’s 26 points, including six 3‑pointers.
🏃 Why Clark & Reese Didn’t Play (And What It Means)
- Caitlin Clark missed her fourth straight game with a right groin injury, marking her third leg-related absence this season. Despite no additional damage detected, she still has no official return timeline she’s currently day-to-day with expectations pointing to a likely mid‑August comeback, when Fever’s schedule allows more practice ramp-up.
- Angel Reese, the Sky’s superstar rookie and Clark rival, was also out with a back injury, marking the second straight absence for Chicago.
Sophie Cunningham has stepped into Clark’s spot, while Sky continue without Reese.
📈 Statistical Snapshot & Player Highlights
- Kelsey Mitchell: Season-best 35 points, 7 threes, 6 assists. Recorded her 200th career steal in the first quarter, and scored her 500th point of the season faster than any other Fever player in franchise history doing it in 26 games.
- Aliyah Boston: Recorded her 35th career double-double.
- Makayla Timpson: Career-high 14 points off the bench, including key plays in press-heavy rotations.
- Fever forced 23 Sky turnovers, converting them into 31 points.
Chicago’s Banham made six 3‑pointers; Kia Nurse added 14 pts, Rebecca Allen had 13 pts, and Kamilla Cardoso contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds.
🔍 Broader Context: Why This Game Matters
- For the Fever, Clark’s continued absence reframes the team dynamic: Mitchell and Boston must carry the offensive and leadership load.
- Caitlin Clark’s injury saga: After missing 13 of 25 games this season due to groin and quad injuries, this latest setback is being approached more cautiously prioritizing long-term health.
Coach Stephanie White emphasized patience, while fans continue robust support, with Clark even signing autographs for nearly 20 minutes at the Sky game. - The Sky and Clark–Reese rivalry loses momentum when both stars are sidelined. Even though Angel Reese’s rookie season was strong (including a league record 10 consecutive double-doubles) the matchup hasn’t materialized recently.
🧭 What to Watch Next: Outlook & Where to Tune In
- Clark’s Return: Expectation is a cautious return in the third week of August, aligned with Fever’s lighter schedule to allow ramp-up.
She remains day to day, no further damage was found in recent scans. - Where to Watch: Tonight’s Fever home game vs. Phoenix Mercury airs nationally on ESPN3 and locally on FanDuel Sports Network from Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7 PM ET.
- Sky’s outlook: Without Reese, the Sky (7–18) are under pressure. NBA vet Courtney Vandersloot is out for the season with an ACL injury.
🔧 Tactical & Team Analysis
- Indiana’s approach: Turnovers forced via pressure defense and quick transition scoring Mitchell thrives in this system.
- Chicago’s struggles: Sky lacked interior presence without Reese, struggled defensively on boards, and had difficulty handling Fever’s pace.
- The absence of star players in marquee matchups affects league ratings and narratives but other players like Mitchell and Banham step up.
🧠 Player Focus: Mitchell, Boston & Emerging Leaders
Kelsey Mitchell
- Now a three-time All-Star and core player under WNBA supermax in 2025. Leads the league in scoring bursts, steals, and veteran composure.
Aliyah Boston
- Provides elite rebounding (8.9 RPG career) and consistent inside scoring. Key foundation piece for Indiana’s frontcourt and leadership.
Sophie Cunningham / Timpson
- Cunningham started in Clark’s stead; Timpson’s 14-point relief was a boost adding depth when the Fever need it most.
a 15-point dub in the wINDY city 🌬️#FeverWin pic.twitter.com/y7Bl5zTN2k
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 27, 2025
🔎 Caitlin Clark Spotlight: Injury, Impact, & Economic Effect
- Clark’s presence when healthy has hugely impacted Fever’s popularity and revenue: jersey sales, broadcast deals, and franchise valuation rose significantly, with the Fever estimated by Forbes at a $370M value and highest revenue in 2024 for the league. Her absence is felt both on court and off.
- WNBA continues to address officiating issues raised by Clark and others as tensions simmer games. Fever coach has publicly criticized the officiating detrimentally affecting Clark.
🔄 Rivalry Worth the Hype: Clark vs Reese
The Clark‑Reese rivalry continues to be a draw—with comparisons made to classic duels like Magic vs Bird. Their absence diminishes national appeal temporarily.
But once both return healthy, the Fever vs Sky matchups will reignite as must-watch games with playoff implications.