Angel Reese and Kaitlyn Clark faced each other for the first time on a WNBA court Saturday, but it was senior Kelsey Mitchell who took the spotlight in the Indiana Fever’s 71-70 victory.
The seventh-year guard scored 18 points to lead the Fever. Surprisingly, Mitchell went scoreless in the first quarter, but picked it up in the second and fourth frames and was more aggressive going to the basket. Nalisa Smith added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Fever, who won their first home game of the season and second overall.
Chennady Carter led all scorers off the bench for the Sky with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go along with four rebounds and six assists. The four-year veteran dominated the floor, attacking Fever players and checking them hard defensively.
Marina Mabrey added 15 points for Chicago, but missed a free throw with 6.1 seconds left that could have tied the score at 71. Indiana was able to prevent a pass foul into the backcourt.
Clark scored 11 points with eight rebounds and six assists, but struggled with his shot after hitting his first two 3-pointers. He had five turnovers, which continues to be a problem as Clark and his teammates learn each other’s tendencies.
Reese finished with 13 rebounds — eight offensive — and eight points, going 2-for-9 from the floor. But Clark made his presence felt defensively in the fourth quarter when he elbowed a running rival while boxing for a rebound.
Now another Sky Player with a cheap shot on Kaitlyn Clarke. Angel Reese with an elbow and then stares down. It’s not basketball. pic.twitter.com/gXwPcaatY8
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 1, 2024
Saturday’s matchup will be the season debut of Camilla Cardoso, the No. 3 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft from defending national champion South Carolina. Playing against former Gamecocks teammate Aaliyah Boston, the 6-foot-7 center quickly established herself near the basket, scoring six points on 3-for-3 shooting.
Fever had difficulty matching Cardoso in the post, but after that brilliant start Sky pulled away from giving her the ball. Smith being beaten by Boston for a low and stiff defense played a part in that.
Cardoso finished with 11 points and six rebounds, shooting 5-for-7 from the floor, leaving no doubt that she can make an impact in the sky.
Skye recovered with Caitlin Clarke
After Thursday’s loss to the Seattle Storm, Clark told reporters, “I feel like a hammer.” Opponents not being called for fouls contributed in part to Clark’s technical fouls. With three for the season, she is now nearly halfway to the seven technicals that would constitute an automatic one-game suspension under WNBA rules.
Sky continued their strategy of coming through the lane and working for post position, testing Clark hard. Late in the third quarter, Carter overthrew Clark while waiting for an inbounds pass. Carter was called for a common foul on the play, but many thought that warranted a flagrant 1.
The Fever next face the New York Liberty (6–2) on Sunday evening. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET. The Sky (3–4) host the Liberty on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Both games will be televised on NBA TV.
