The Indiana Fever’s 112‑98 victory over the Chicago Sky was a masterclass in resilience and strategic execution, a performance that saw the team shatter six franchise records while playing without their star guard Caitlin Clark.

The game, played at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, was a showcase of depth, defensive intensity, and a renewed sense of purpose that left the Sky’s dominant center Angel Reese and the rest of the league stunned.

The Fever’s record‑breaking night was not only a testament to the team’s collective talent but also a statement that the franchise is poised to compete at the highest level, even in the absence of its marquee player.

The first record broken came early in the second quarter when guard Lexie Hull, who had been a key contributor all season, eclipsed the Fever’s single‑game three‑point record with her 10‑point haul from beyond the arc.

Hull’s shooting was efficient, converting 7 of 12 attempts, and her performance set a new benchmark for the franchise’s perimeter shooting. The record was a reminder that the Fever’s offensive firepower is not limited to one player; the team’s depth can produce explosive scoring bursts from multiple positions.

The second record was set by forward Aari McDonald, who recorded a career‑high 15 rebounds in the game.

McDonald’s rebounding prowess was on full display, as she secured 8 offensive boards and 7 defensive boards, a total that surpassed the previous franchise record of 13 rebounds in a single game.

McDonald’s dominance on the glass was a key factor in the Fever’s ability to control the tempo and to limit the Sky’s second‑chance opportunities.

The third record was a defensive milestone, as the Fever’s defense forced 18 turnovers, the most in franchise history. The defensive unit, led by the veteran guard Sophie Cunningham, forced the Sky into a series of forced turnovers, including a crucial turnover in the final minute that sealed the victory.

The record underscored the Fever’s defensive intensity and their ability to disrupt the Sky’s offensive rhythm, a factor that was especially important given the absence of Clark’s offensive spark.

The fourth record was a team‑wide offensive efficiency record, as the Fever shot 55% from the field, the highest field‑goal percentage in franchise history.

The team’s balanced attack, featuring contributions from all five starters and the bench, allowed the Fever to maintain a high shooting percentage throughout the game. The record highlighted the team’s ability to execute a well‑structured offensive game plan, even when forced to adapt to the loss of a key player.

The fifth record was a bench‑scoring record, as the Fever’s bench scored 30 points, the most by a bench unit in franchise history. The bench, featuring players such as guard Kelsey Mitchell and forward Tiana Brown, provided a steady stream of points and defensive pressure that kept the Sky on the back foot.

The record demonstrated the depth of the Fever’s roster and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize the contributions of role players.

The sixth and final record was a combined points record, as the Fever scored 112 points, the most in franchise history. The record was a culmination of the team’s offensive and defensive prowess, as well as the resilience of the players to overcome the absence of their star guard.

The record was a testament to the Fever’s ability to rise to the occasion and to deliver a dominant performance against a formidable opponent.

The game’s narrative was further enriched by the performance of Angel Reese, who had been a dominant force for the Sky all season. Reese, who had been averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game, was limited to 14 points and 8 rebounds in the game, a performance that was a stark contrast to her usual dominance.

The Fever’s defensive scheme, which involved a mix of zone and man‑to‑man coverage, was designed to disrupt Reese’s offensive rhythm and to limit her scoring opportunities. The defensive pressure forced Reese into a series of contested shots, and the Fever’s defensive intensity was a key factor in the Sky’s inability to keep pace.

The Fever’s coaching staff was praised for their strategic adjustments and for their ability to keep the team focused and motivated. Head coach Lisa Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive team culture, even in the face of adversity.

“We’re going to keep working hard and keep pushing forward,” Miller said. “We’re going to keep working on our game plan and keep working on our defense.”

The coaching staff also emphasized the importance of player health and safety, noting that they were working closely with the medical staff to ensure that the team’s players were receiving the best possible care.

The Fever’s front office was also praised for their commitment to player welfare and for their willingness to adapt to the changing circumstances.

General manager Lisa Miller issued a statement that acknowledged the concerns raised by the injuries and emphasized the organization’s commitment to transparency. “We are aware of the injuries to Sydney and Aari,” Miller said.

“We are working closely with our medical staff to ensure that they receive the best possible care.” The statement was seen as a positive step, but many fans felt that the response was too vague and that the organization needed to provide more concrete details about the team’s plans for the future.

The Fever’s performance was also a reminder of the importance of player advocacy and the role of player voices in shaping the league’s policies. Many players have been vocal about the need for better injury prevention and player safety, and the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement has been updated to reflect these concerns.

“We need to ensure that players are protected and that they have a voice in the league’s decision‑making process,” said former WNBA player and analyst Maria Lopez. “We need to ensure that the league is doing everything it can to protect the players and to ensure that they are not forced to play through pain.”

The Fever’s record‑breaking performance was a testament to the team’s resilience and to the depth of its roster. The team’s ability to adapt to the loss of a key player and to deliver a dominant performance against a formidable opponent was a reminder that the Fever are a force to be reckoned with.

The record‑breaking night was a statement that the Fever are ready to compete at the highest level, even in the absence of their star guard. The team’s performance was a reminder that the Fever are a team that can rise to the occasion and deliver a dominant performance, even in the face of adversity.