Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm: Game Recap and Updates

On August 3, 2025, the Indiana Fever faced off against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, in a highly anticipated WNBA matchup. Despite the absence of star player Caitlin Clark, the Fever secured a hard-fought 78-74 victory, extending their winning streak to five games and tying a franchise record set in 2015. Below is a comprehensive recap of the game, including quarter-by-quarter updates, key performances, and critical moments that defined the outcome.

Game Context

The Fever (16-12, 9-7 Eastern Conference) entered the game riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing resilience despite missing Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined since July 15 with a right groin injury. The Storm (16-12, 9-7 Western Conference), coming off a 108-106 double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, aimed to leverage their home-court advantage and defensive prowess, ranking second in the WNBA in defensive rating. Both teams had identical 16-12 records, making this game pivotal in the crowded playoff race.

The Fever previously defeated the Storm 94-86 on June 24, 2025, with Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge. This rematch promised intensity, with ESPN’s matchup predictor giving the Fever a 41.4% chance of winning despite Clark’s absence.

Quarter-by-Quarter Updates

First Quarter: Fever 17, Storm 16

The game started with a tight battle, as both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm. Natasha Howard led the Fever with six points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting, stepping up in the absence of Clark. However, Kelsey Mitchell, one of Indiana’s top scorers, went 0-for-6 from the field, signaling early offensive challenges. Aliyah Boston picked up two fouls, raising concerns about her aggressiveness in the paint. For the Storm, Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams contributed six and five points, respectively. Indiana’s defense held firm, limiting Seattle to 16 points, while the Fever edged out a one-point lead despite shooting 2-for-11 from three-point range.

Second Quarter: Fever 42, Storm 34

Indiana found its groove in the second quarter, outscoring Seattle 25-18. Sophie Cunningham emerged as a key contributor, scoring 10 points, including two three-pointers, while Natasha Howard added to her tally with 12 points overall. The Fever’s defense forced turnovers, fueling transition opportunities. Seattle struggled to keep pace, with Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike leading with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Indiana’s rebounding advantage began to show, setting the tone for their physical presence. A timeout by Seattle followed a quick scoring burst by the Fever, as the Storm battled to keep the game within reach.

Third Quarter: Fever 58, Storm 54

The third quarter saw Seattle mount a comeback, outscoring Indiana 20-16 to cut the deficit to four points. Sophie Cunningham was on fire for the Fever, hitting three three-pointers to tie her season-high 17 points. However, Seattle’s Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike kept the pressure on, with Diggins assisting on key plays and Ogwumike hitting a 13-foot jumper. A critical moment came when Dominique Malonga blocked Aliyah Boston’s jumper, energizing the Storm. Indiana’s defense faltered slightly, allowing Seattle to capitalize with a late 10-1 run, making it a four-point game entering the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Fever 78, Storm 74

The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with Seattle making a furious push to close the gap. Aari McDonald opened the quarter with four points, helping Indiana maintain an eight-point lead early. However, Seattle responded with an 11-5 scoring run, pulling within striking distance. Indiana’s defense tightened, with steals fueling transition offense. Sophie Cunningham’s fourth three-pointer forced a Seattle timeout, and Kelsey Mitchell’s free throw after a transition foul extended the lead. Despite Seattle’s efforts, including a late scoring burst, Indiana held firm. Natasha Howard’s 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, along with Aliyah Boston’s 16 points and 12 rebounds, sealed the 78-74 victory.

Key Performances

Natasha Howard (Fever): Led all scorers with 21 points on efficient shooting, adding five rebounds and five assists. Her versatility was crucial in Clark’s absence.
Sophie Cunningham (Fever): Delivered a season-high 17 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, providing a critical offensive spark.
Aliyah Boston (Fever): Contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring Indiana’s rebounding dominance (23-20 over Seattle).
Nneka Ogwumike (Storm): Scored 11 points and remained a defensive force, but couldn’t overcome Indiana’s balanced attack.
Skylar Diggins (Storm): Facilitated Seattle’s offense with key assists, including a two-point shot assisted by Dominique Malonga, but the Storm fell short.
Gabby Williams (Storm): Added 12 points, including a 14-foot jumper, but Seattle struggled to convert in clutch moments.

Critical Moments

Cunningham’s Third-Quarter Explosion: Cunningham’s three three-pointers in the third quarter kept Indiana ahead despite Seattle’s push, tying her season-high scoring mark.
Seattle’s Late Run: A 10-1 scoring run in the third and an 11-5 run in the fourth brought Seattle within four points, but Indiana’s defense held firm.
Rebounding Edge: Indiana’s 23-20 rebounding advantage, including key offensive boards, limited Seattle’s second-chance opportunities.
Defensive Stops: Steals by the Fever in the fourth quarter, particularly during Seattle’s scoring runs, fueled transition points and maintained the lead.

Analysis

The Fever’s victory showcased their depth and resilience without Caitlin Clark, who remains out with no definitive return timeline. Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston stepped up as primary scoring options, while Sophie Cunningham’s sharpshooting provided a critical edge. Indiana’s ability to weather Seattle’s late runs highlighted their defensive growth, a stark contrast to earlier games where they blew double-digit leads. The Fever’s 46.9% field goal percentage compared to Seattle’s 45.8%, combined with a slight edge in rebounds and turnovers (12 vs. 9), underscored their balanced performance.

Seattle, despite strong performances from Ogwumike and Williams, struggled with consistency, particularly in the second and fourth quarters. Their 11.1% three-point shooting was a significant factor, as Indiana’s defense limited their perimeter game. The Storm’s 1-1 record in games decided by three points or fewer suggests they remain competitive but need to capitalize on close contests.

Post-Game Context

This win improved the Fever’s record to 17-12, tying a franchise-record five-game winning streak and bolstering their playoff positioning. The Fever’s ability to win on the road without Clark signals a maturing roster under coach Stephanie White. Seattle, now 16-13, faces pressure to regroup as they host Connecticut next. The Storm’s defensive strength remains a cornerstone, but offensive efficiency will be key moving forward.