What Happened
On August 3, 2025, the Indiana Fever secured a narrow victory over the Seattle Storm, winning 78-74 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. This victory marked the Fever’s fifth consecutive win, improving their season record to 17-12 and solidifying their position at No. 5 in the WNBA standings. The Fever’s performance was particularly notable as they played without their star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined for seven games due to a right groin injury.
The game was characterized by a strong start from Indiana, who led by as much as 11 points late in the fourth quarter. However, the Storm mounted a late comeback, fueled by turnovers from the Fever and aggressive offensive rebounding. Despite this push, Indiana managed to maintain their lead, with key contributions from Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Aliyah Boston, who collectively helped secure the win.
Key Details
Player Performances
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Indiana Fever:
- Natasha Howard: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
- Sophie Cunningham: 17 points (4-for-4 from three-point range)
- Aliyah Boston: 16 points, 12 rebounds (sixth consecutive double-double)
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Seattle Storm:
- Nneka Ogwumike: 16 points
- Skylar Diggins: 13 points, 4 assists
- Gabby Williams: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Game Flow
- The Fever led 17-16 after the first quarter and extended their lead to 42-34 by halftime.
- Indiana outscored Seattle 25-18 in the second quarter, with Howard leading the charge.
- Seattle narrowed the gap in the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 20-16, and entered the final period trailing 58-54.
- In the final minutes, the Storm went on an 11-0 run to close the gap to one point, but ultimately missed six of their last seven shots, allowing the Fever to hold on for the win.
Standings Implications
This victory was significant for Indiana, as it not only extended their win streak but also allowed them to surpass Seattle in the standings, with the Storm now at 16-13. The Fever also clinched the season series against the Storm, which could be crucial for playoff tiebreakers.
Multiple Perspectives
The game showcased the depth of the Fever’s roster, particularly in the absence of Caitlin Clark. Coach and analysts have noted that players like Sophie Cunningham have stepped up significantly, providing much-needed scoring and momentum. Cunningham’s performance, including her perfect shooting from beyond the arc, was highlighted as a key factor in the win.
Conversely, the Storm’s late-game execution has come under scrutiny. Despite their strong push in the final minutes, their inability to convert crucial shots has raised questions about their offensive strategy and execution under pressure. Some analysts argue that the Storm’s reliance on offensive rebounds and turnovers from the Fever may not be a sustainable strategy moving forward.
Context & Background
The Fever’s recent success comes after a challenging start to the season, particularly with the loss of Caitlin Clark, who is considered a pivotal player for the team. The ability of Indiana to maintain a winning streak without their star player speaks to the resilience and depth of their roster. Historically, the Fever have struggled to maintain leads in the second half, making this victory a potential turning point for their playoff aspirations.
For the Storm, this loss is a setback in their pursuit of playoff positioning. With the season nearing its conclusion, every game carries significant weight, and the inability to secure a win against a rival team could impact their playoff seeding.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the Fever’s current form is promising, it remains uncertain how they will perform in the upcoming games against Los Angeles and Phoenix, especially without Caitlin Clark. Additionally, the long-term impact of Clark’s injury on the team’s overall performance and playoff prospects is still unclear.
For the Storm, questions linger about their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. How they will adjust their strategy in future games, particularly in closing out tight contests, remains to be seen. The upcoming matchups will be critical for both teams as they vie for favorable playoff positions.
