Lexie Hull’s Career Night Powers Fever to Convincing Victory Over Sky — Even as Caitlin Clark Sits Out

Indianapolis, IN – On a night overshadowed by the absence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever delivered an emphatic statement. Behind a red-hot performance from guard Lexie Hull, the Fever dismantled the Chicago Sky 92-68, leaving little doubt about their depth and determination. For the Sky, even another strong showing from Angel Reese couldn’t prevent the rout, as Indiana’s collective effort overwhelmed the visitors from start to finish.

Rising to the Occasion: Lexie Hull’s Breakout

Heading into Wednesday night’s showdown, much of the chatter surrounded Caitlin Clark’s absence, with fans and analysts questioning how Indiana would fare without their superstar rookie. Hull, a 2022 first-round draft pick out of Stanford, provided the answer in spectacular fashion. From the opening tip, she set the tone for the Fever, scoring efficiently and impacting the game on both ends.

Hull finished with a career-high 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including a season-best five three-pointers, igniting the home crowd and keeping the Chicago defense in scramble mode all night. Her confidence was evident as she drained shot after shot, culminating in a third quarter flurry that effectively put the game out of reach.

“I just tried to stay aggressive and take what the defense gave me,” Hull said postgame. “We have so many talented players on this team, and whenever someone is out—like Caitlin tonight—everyone knows it’s time to step up.”

Fever’s Depth on Full Display

Absent Clark’s playmaking and scoring, Indiana relied on a balanced attack. Veterans Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith each contributed 14 and 16 points, respectively, while Aliyah Boston pulled down 11 rebounds and anchored the defense. Erica Wheeler ran the point with poise, notching nine assists with just one turnover.

Head coach Christie Sides praised her squad’s collective effort. “Caitlin brings so much to this team, but tonight really showed what we’re made of,” Sides said. “Lexie was phenomenal, but every player who stepped on the floor played their role perfectly. We had great energy, we pushed the tempo, and we executed our game plan.”

Indiana’s perimeter shooting proved decisive, as the team shot a blistering 49% from the field and connected on 11 of 25 three-pointers. The Fever also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Chicago 41-32, and forced 15 Sky turnovers that led to easy transition opportunities.

Angel Reese Shines, But Sky Can’t Keep Pace

Despite the lopsided result, rookie forward Angel Reese offered a bright spot for the Sky. Reese poured in 18 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, registering her sixth straight double-double—the best mark by a rookie in nearly 20 years. Her relentless motor kept Chicago afloat during the first half, but she struggled to find consistent help from her teammates.

Veteran guard Marina Mabrey managed 13 points and five assists for Chicago, but the Sky’s offense sputtered, shooting just 36% as a team. Allisha Gray, typically a dependable scoring threat, was held to only eight points on the night.

“Our execution just wasn’t there,” lamented Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “Indiana played with urgency, and we didn’t match their intensity.”

A Raucous Crowd, Despite Clark’s Absence

Much was made about Caitlin Clark’s omission from the starting lineup, a rare occurrence this season. According to team officials, Clark was held out as a precaution after experiencing mild ankle discomfort in practice earlier this week. The franchise assured fans the setback was minor and Clark is expected to return for the Fever’s next game.

Though her absence was noticed, the energy inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse never wavered. The Fever sold out their third consecutive home game—a testament to the growing excitement around women’s basketball in Indianapolis. Many in the arena wore Clark’s No. 22 jersey, but by the end of the night, chants of “Lexie! Lexie!” echoed through the rafters.

“It’s incredible to play in front of these fans,” said Hull. “They have our backs every game.”

Statement Win: What It Means for the Fever

The victory over Chicago marked Indiana’s largest margin of victory so far this season and lifted their record to 8-9. More importantly, the performance demonstrated that the Fever are more than just a one-woman show.

“Caitlin’s been amazing and obviously she gets a lot of the spotlight, deservedly so,” said Kelsey Mitchell. “But games like this remind us—and everyone else—that we have a lot of pieces and a lot of heart.”

With Clark resting, Indiana’s bench stepped up. Temi Fagbenle and Kristy Wallace combined for 12 points, nine rebounds, and solid minutes defending Chicago’s guards. The ability of Indiana’s role players to contribute in key moments is an encouraging sign for the team’s postseason ambitions.

For the Sky: Searching for Answers

For Chicago, the heavy defeat marks their fourth straight loss, dropping them to 6-11 on the season. The promising development of Angel Reese and the steady contributions from Mabrey and Gray provide hope, but the Sky must address defensive lapses and inconsistency on offense if they hope to climb back into playoff contention.

“We just have to regroup and stick together,” Reese said after the game. “There’s a lot of basketball left.”

Spotlight Shifts, But WNBA Parity Shines

The Fever’s win, with Lexie Hull stepping into the limelight, underscores the depth and parity of the WNBA this season. As superstars like Clark, Reese, and Boston garner headlines, lesser-known but talented players like Hull remind fans and analysts alike that women’s professional basketball is a league defined by high-level skill and teamwork.

Coach Sides summed it up perfectly: “Tonight showed what makes this group special. It’s next woman up, every night.”

With Clark set to return and Hull’s breakout performance adding another dimension, the Indiana Fever have served notice: they’re ready to compete against anyone—and it’s not just about one star.