Sparks Edge Out Fever in Thrilling Finish Without Caitlin Clark
What a night it was for women’s basketball fans as the Los Angeles Sparks narrowly defeated the Indiana Fever 89-87 in a high-stakes showdown that came down to the final buzzer. Missing their star guard Caitlin Clark, the Fever had their three-game win streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion. Despite being shorthanded, Indiana fought hard and nearly came away with the win, but Aliyah Boston’s final shot missed, sealing the win for L.A.
It was a game full of swings and standout performances. The Fever came out strong, leading at the end of the first two quarters and holding as much as an eight-point advantage during the game. Boston, once again, anchored the Fever with a double-double—23 points and 12 rebounds—and played with heart and hustle until the very end. Natasha Howard nearly matched her with 21 points and nine rebounds, proving that Indiana’s roster remains deep and competitive even without Clark on the floor.
But the Sparks turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Indiana and taking a slim one-point lead heading into the fourth. That momentum carried them through. Azura Stevens led the Sparks with a massive performance—21 points and 12 rebounds—while Kelsey Plum added 20 points of her own. The Sparks' balanced scoring attack included double-digit contributions from four of their five starters, showing their depth and ability to share the offensive load.
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This was the second time in two weeks that the Sparks got the better of the Fever, but the story off the court was just as compelling as the action on it. Caitlin Clark remained sidelined with a groin injury, missing her fifth straight game—and her tenth of the season. Though she’s begun drills and was present on the bench during the game, there's still no clear return date. Fever head coach Stephanie White remains hopeful she’ll return without needing a minutes restriction, but until then, the team continues to evolve without her.
Clark’s absence has sparked a lot of conversation—especially following ESPN analyst Carolyn Peck’s controversial comments claiming the Fever may actually be more dangerous without Clark due to the team's more varied offensive looks and enhanced defensive intensity. It’s a hot take that has the basketball world talking. And while the Fever have shown resilience, including wins over elite teams like the Aces and Lynx during Clark's absence, there’s no denying her star power and what she brings to the floor when healthy.
This game against the Sparks was a tough reminder that, even in Clark’s absence, Indiana can still go toe-to-toe with top teams—but needs just a bit more to get over the hump. With stars like Boston, Howard, and Mitchell stepping up, and Clark inching closer to a return, the Fever remain one of the most intriguing teams in the league.
Next up, Indiana hosts the Golden State Valkyries, while the Sparks look to build on their win as they face the Minnesota Lynx. One thing’s for sure—the Fever are far from finished, and when Clark returns, this squad could become one of the most dangerous in the WNBA.
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