Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky: 2025 Season Recap

The 2025 WNBA season has seen the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky face off in several high-profile matchups, fueled by the star power of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, despite both teams dealing with significant injuries. Below is a detailed recap of their encounters, highlighting key performances, injuries, and game outcomes, with a focus on the most recent games in May, June, and July 2025.

Game 1: May 17, 2025 – Fever Dominate Season Opener

The Fever opened the 2025 season with a commanding 93-58 victory over the Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Caitlin Clark led the way with her third career triple-double, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with four blocks, moving her to third on the WNBA’s career triple-double list, behind Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu. Aliyah Boston complemented Clark’s performance with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, showcasing the Fever’s strengthened defense. Veteran acquisition DeWanna Bonner also made history, passing Tina Thompson for third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with two free throws.

The Sky struggled offensively, shooting just 29.1% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range. Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds but couldn’t overcome Indiana’s dominance. A notable moment came in the third quarter when Clark was called for her first career flagrant foul on Reese, leading to offsetting technical fouls for Reese and Boston after a heated exchange. The Fever’s revamped roster, under coach Stephanie White, demonstrated their potential as league contenders, holding Chicago to 17 points or fewer in each quarter.

Game 2: June 7, 2025 – Fever Cruise at United Center

In their second meeting, the Fever again overwhelmed the Sky, winning 79-52 in the first-ever WNBA game at Chicago’s United Center, a historic moment for the league. Despite missing Caitlin Clark (quad injury), Sophie Cunningham (ankle), and head coach Stephanie White (personal reasons), Indiana never trailed, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 17 points and Natasha Howard’s 13 points and two blocks. Aari McDonald, on a hardship contract, impressed with 12 points, including three 3-pointers, while Aliyah Boston added 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Fever shot 45.8% from the field and 40.7% from three, tying their season-high with 11 three-pointers.

The Sky’s offense faltered, matching their fifth-lowest scoring output in franchise history with 52 points and shooting 32.1% from the field and 20% from three. Angel Reese grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds but managed only four points on 2-for-7 shooting. The game was marred by an early injury to Chicago’s Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a non-contact knee injury in the first quarter and was carried off the court, ruling her out for the remainder of the game. The Sky fell to 2-5, while the Fever improved to 4-4, showcasing their depth and defensive prowess despite missing key players.

Game 3: July 27, 2025 – Indiana Fever Triumph in Starless Showdown

The most recent matchup on July 27, 2025, at the United Center saw the Fever defeat the Sky 93-58, continuing their dominance in the series. Both teams were without their star rookies, with Caitlin Clark sidelined by a groin injury and Angel Reese out with a back injury. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with a season-high 35 points, including seven 3-pointers, marking her 100th career 20-point game and ninth 30-point game. Aliyah Boston contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while rookie Makayla Timpson added 14 points off the bench. Aari McDonald chipped in 10 points, further proving her value.

Chicago’s Rachel Banham led with 26 points, including six 3-pointers, while Kamilla Cardoso recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kia Nurse and Rebecca Allen added 14 and 13 points, respectively. However, the Sky struggled with 23 turnovers, which Indiana converted into 31 points. The Fever closed the first quarter on an 18-2 run and maintained control, fending off a third-quarter push by Chicago that cut the lead to six points. Mitchell’s timely 3-pointer and free throws, along with Lexie Hull’s buzzer-beater, secured a 75-61 lead entering the fourth. The Sky fell to 7-18, while the Fever improved to 14-12, solidifying their playoff contention.

Key Takeaways and Series Context

Fever’s Dominance: Indiana has won all three 2025 matchups against Chicago by double-digit margins, improving to 5-1 against the Sky since Clark and Reese entered the league in 2024. The Fever’s defensive improvements under coach Stephanie White have been evident, holding Chicago to low shooting percentages and forcing turnovers.
Injury Challenges: Both teams have faced significant injuries. Clark missed the June and July games, while Reese was absent for the July game. Chicago also lost Courtney Vandersloot to a knee injury in June and dealt with absences from Ariel Atkins, Hailey Van Lith, and Moriah Jefferson.
Standout Performances: Kelsey Mitchell has been a consistent force for Indiana, with 17 points in June and 35 in July. Aliyah Boston’s all-around play and Aari McDonald’s contributions on a hardship contract have bolstered the Fever. For Chicago, Angel Reese’s rebounding prowess and Kamilla Cardoso’s emergence have been bright spots despite offensive struggles.
Historic Venue: The June and July games at the United Center marked significant milestones for the WNBA, with sellout crowds highlighting the growing popularity of women’s basketball, driven by stars like Clark and Reese.
Rivalry or Mismatch?: While Clark and Reese’s college rivalry at Iowa and LSU adds intrigue, analysts argue the Fever-Sky matchups lack true rivalry status due to Indiana’s consistent blowout wins. The Fever have outscored the Sky by 89 points over their last six games, underscoring a talent and execution gap.

Looking Ahead

The Fever and Sky are scheduled to meet again on August 9, 2025, on CBS, and September 5, 2025, on ION, with both games expected to draw significant attention. Clark’s potential return from her groin injury and Reese’s recovery from her back issue will be critical factors. For Chicago, addressing their turnover issues and improving offensive efficiency will be key to competing with Indiana’s balanced attack. The Fever, meanwhile, aim to maintain their momentum and secure a playoff spot, building on their defensive improvements and depth.

The Fever-Sky matchups continue to captivate fans, not only for the on-court action but also for the cultural significance of showcasing women’s basketball at iconic venues like the United Center. As Angel Reese noted, “Women belong here,” signaling a bright future for the WNBA.