CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky had fans on the edge of their seats during their third Indiana Fever matchup of the 2024 season on Sunday. Angel Reese showed heart in the fourth quarter and helped Chicago rally to win 88-87 despite an outstanding playmaking effort from Caitlin Clark. Reese gave a two-word response as the key to the Sky's thrilling comeback victory.
“Staying poised,” Reese said during the postgame press conference. “I think sometimes we get comfortable. A lot of times we get comfortable. We had a good lead for a minute, and I felt like we didn't have that much energy. So just staying poised, not letting ourselves get down. I think I did a good job being able to bring energy. Defensively, offensively, rebounding, steals, doing whatever to be vocal and help the team. I think my teammates really rely on my energy and being able to be super positive for them. So I just always try to give that every night.”
Angel Reese ended the night with an impressive 25 points and 13 rebounds. She recorded her eighth straight double-double. The rookie forward provided further insight into what it will take to sustain her production.
“Just being consistent. That's the most important thing for me. I was efficient tonight, finally. Didn't get in foul trouble, and got some rebounds. I turned the ball over three times, but I'm just getting better. I feel like I'm gaining confidence more. I've watched film with [assistant coach David Simon]. He's done a great job with me being able to do player development. He showed me every shot I missed around the basket. I'm getting and-ones and I'm getting more efficient. So I just continue to try to grow every game.”
Reese was not the only one who showed growth on Sunday.
The third Sky-Fever matchup of 2024 was an instant classic
Caitlin Clark came out firing, going 2-for-2 on her first two three-pointers. Furthermore, she had an outstanding playmaking day. She ended the matchup with 17 points and a whopping 13 assists. Clark showed poise by making timely passes. For instance, she had an open shot late in the third quarter but decided to pass to Kelsey Mitchell when defenders closed in on her, which resulted in three points for Indiana.
Clark helped the Fever put on a third-quarter run when they outscored the Sky 26-19. Yet, Chicago refused to go away. They got multiple stops and performed big offensive plays that set them up for a great finish. However, things got heated down the stretch.
NaLyssa Smith scored a post-up basket on Angel Reese late in the fourth quarter and gave her the “too little” celebration. But Reese immediately responded with an and-one bucket. Smith and Reese exchanged words, and officials gave both forwards technical fouls. Nevertheless, Reese made her extra point and proceeded to continue her tirade to seal Chicago's win.
Caitlin Clark and Teresa Weatherspoon have both gone on the record to say Sky-Fever matchups are not rivalries. Yet, the intense competition that results from the teams' meetings says otherwise. Fans will have many charged games to look forward to between these two exciting teams.
Chicago improved to 6-9 with their win on Sunday, while Indiana fell to 7-11. The Sky will turn their attention to another intense matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on June 27th.
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