The Indiana Fever delivered a long-awaited statement victory on June 24, avenging a 2024 incident that left fans outraged and the team hungry for redemption. Behind career-best performances from Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever overcame a cold shooting night from Caitlin Clark to defeat the Seattle Storm 94–86—proving they are no longer a one-player show.
The story of this matchup traces back to August 18, 2024, when Skylar Diggins of the Storm ignited controversy by body-checking Clark in the closing moments of a blowout loss. That play, perceived by many as targeted aggression, sparked widespread backlash and lingered in the minds of Fever players and fans alike. Monday’s game was circled on calendars for nearly a year—and the Fever made sure it lived up to the hype.
From the outset, it looked like the rematch might follow an all-too-familiar script. Clark, the No. 1 pick and face of the franchise, had her worst shooting night of the season, going 3-of-13 from the field and missing all six of her three-point attempts. The raucous Seattle crowd, sensing vulnerability, grew louder with each miss.
But instead of collapsing under the pressure, the Fever found strength in numbers.
Aliyah Boston led the charge with a dominant 31-point performance, surpassing her previous career high. She also grabbed eight rebounds, tallied three assists, and made two steals. Her relentless drives and post dominance overwhelmed Seattle’s interior defense.
“She was on balance, efficient, and hunting opportunities,” head coach Stephanie White said postgame. “We were getting her the ball on time and she did the rest. What a hell of a job.”
Boston’s surge was backed by Lexie Hull, who recorded her first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Known more for hustle than headlines, Hull’s gritty effort on the glass and timely scoring frustrated the Storm all night.
“She was everywhere,” White noted. “Every loose ball, every key moment—Lexie was there. That’s growth.”
Kelsey Mitchell, however, delivered the knockout blow. Scoring 26 points, including five three-pointers, Mitchell passed into elite company with her 14th career game of at least 25 points and five made threes—now fifth-most in WNBA history.
“Mitchell was unconscious tonight,” one Fever assistant coach said. “She took over exactly when we needed it most.”
The trio’s performance marked a defining moment in Indiana’s season. Coming off back-to-back losses to powerhouse teams like the Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces, this win was more than just a bounce-back—it was a culture reset.
The game also revealed a striking maturity from the Fever, now sitting at .500 with a 7–7 record. Unlike last year’s squad, which often leaned heavily on Clark to produce wins, this year’s team showcased its depth, resilience, and chemistry.
“We stayed together,” Hull said after the game. “There were moments in the fourth where we could’ve folded. But we didn’t. That shows how far we’ve come.”
Clark, who still managed to dish out several key assists despite her shooting slump, was visibly elated for her teammates. While she didn’t lead the scoring column, her presence—and the attention she drew from defenders—opened up the floor for Boston, Hull, and Mitchell to shine.
Coach White emphasized how the team’s trust and communication were at their highest level of the season. “We played with multiple levels of effort on both ends. This was probably our most complete game of the year.”
The 94–86 final score may only add one win to the standings, but symbolically, it was a victory months in the making. The shadow of the Diggins-Clark incident loomed large over this rematch, and the Fever made sure to confront it head-on—not with retaliation, but with basketball brilliance.
The players’ postgame reactions said it all. Boston beamed as teammates embraced her after her career night. Hull celebrated her long-overdue breakout. Mitchell, ever the sharpshooter, coolly acknowledged her spot in WNBA record books. And Clark? She stood back and cheered, smiling as her team proved they can carry the weight—even when she has an off night.
“This felt like the first time we really put in a full 40 minutes,” Mitchell said. “And it paid off.”
More than just another regular season win, this game was about sending a message to the rest of the league: The Indiana Fever are no longer the team you can push around. They’ve got fire, depth, and the heart of a contender. And when their star struggles, they rise—even higher.
As the Fever head into the next phase of the 2025 season, they do so not just with renewed confidence, but with a true team identity—one built on grit, growth, and a relentless refusal to be bullied ever again.
