The Indiana Fever delivered a statement performance on Tuesday night, dismantling the Seattle Storm 104-78 in a game that will be remembered for Caitlin Clark’s fiery intensity and Sophie Cunningham’s unstoppable scoring surge.

The Fever, fueled by a raucous home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, dominated from tip-off to final buzzer, showcasing a level of cohesion and aggression that has catapulted them into playoff contention.

For Clark and Cunningham, the game was a personal showcase—one that cemented their status as one of the WNBA’s most dangerous duos.

Clark, the 21-year-old rookie phenom, was electric from the outset, finishing with 33 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field. Her performance was a masterclass in composure under pressure, as she repeatedly dissected Seattle’s defense with pinpoint passes and clutch shooting.

The game’s defining stretch came in the third quarter, when Clark scored or assisted on 14 of Indiana’s 16 points during a 22-6 run that turned a tight game into a rout. “She’s unguardable when she’s in that zone,” said Fever coach Stephanie White. “Caitlin’s not just scoring—she’s commanding the game.”

Cunningham, meanwhile, was the embodiment of “red hot,” delivering a scorching 29-point, 7-rebound performance that left the Storm defense reeling. The 26-year-old guard, acquired in an offseason trade, hit 11 of her 15 shots, including 5 three-pointers, while also hounding Seattle’s perimeter players on defense.

Her most devastating sequence came in the second quarter, when she scored 12 straight points for the Fever, including three consecutive triples that turned a 28-26 lead into a 41-26 advantage. “Sophie’s a killer,” said Clark. “She smells blood in the water and goes for it.”

The Fever’s dominance was a team effort, but Clark and Cunningham set the tone. Indiana shot 54% from the field and outscored Seattle 52-26 in the paint, leveraging their size and athleticism to overwhelm a Storm team missing injured stars Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd.

The Fever also dominated the glass, outrebounding Seattle 42-28, with rookie sensation Aliyah Boston contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. “We’re not just relying on one person,” Boston said. “We’re a complete team now.”

Seattle, now 11-16 and fading in the playoff race, had no answer for Indiana’s intensity. The Storm’s usual offensive efficiency evaporated under the Fever’s physical defense, which forced 19 turnovers and held Seattle to 38% shooting. “We got outplayed in every facet,” said Storm coach Laura Dailey. “Indiana came to win, and we didn’t meet the challenge.”

Clark’s performance was particularly notable given the scrutiny she’s faced this season. The No. 1 overall pick has endured criticism for inconsistent play and off-court drama, but Tuesday’s game was a reminder of her transcendent potential.

“I’m just focused on winning,” Clark said. “When we play like this, it’s fun.” Her ability to balance scoring and playmaking—evident in her 8 assists—showed growth in her game. “She’s learning to let the game come to her,” White said.

Cunningham’s eruption was equally significant. After struggling with shooting efficiency early in the season, she’s found her rhythm, averaging 24.5 points on 52% shooting over her last eight games.

Her ability to create her own shot and knock down contested triples makes her a nightmare to defend, especially alongside Clark’s playmaking. “They’re a problem,” said Storm forward Breanna Stewart, who managed just 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting. “You can’t stop both.”

The win moves the Fever to 15-14, solidifying their hold on the sixth playoff seed with six games remaining. For a team that started the season 5-12, the turnaround is a testament to White’s adjustments and the roster’s growing chemistry. “We’ve been through adversity, and it’s made us stronger,” Cunningham said.

The game also had broader implications for the WNBA’s playoff picture. With the Storm now trailing the Fever by four games in the standings, Seattle’s postseason hopes are all but extinguished.

For Indiana, the victory proves they’re more than a one-player team—they’re a legitimate threat. “We’re not just Caitlin Clark and friends anymore,” Clark said. “We’re a group that can beat anyone on any night.”

Social media reactions were a mix of awe and disbelief. The hashtag #FeverRising trended within minutes of the final buzzer, with fans celebrating the team’s dominance.

Clark’s step-back three over Gabby Williams and Cunningham’s baseline spin-and-finish were replayed endlessly, as were clips of the Fever’s bench erupting after big plays.

Analysts praised Indiana’s “unrelenting energy” and “championship-level defense,” with ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike calling it “the most complete game we’ve seen from any team this season.”

The performance also has financial implications. The Fever reported a 40% spike in merchandise sales following the game, with Clark and Cunningham jerseys selling out within hours.

The team has announced a “Red Hot” promotional night for their next home game, featuring discounted tickets and Cunningham-themed food items. “This is what happens when you win and play with passion,” said Fever GM Allison Moseman.

As the Fever prepare for a critical road trip next week, they do so with renewed confidence. The combination of Clark’s star power, Cunningham’s scoring punch, and Boston’s interior presence has transformed Indiana into a team no one wants to face in a potential playoff series. “We’re dangerous right now,” Clark said. “And we’re just getting started.”

For now, the court remains the Fever’s sanctuary—a place where they’ve found their identity and, perhaps, their destiny. As the season enters its final stretch, one thing is clear: Indiana is back, and the league had better take notice.