Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky – Full Game Highlights & Recap WNBA Season 2025 | July 27, 2025
Basketball fans were treated to a nail-biting, high-octane showdown Sunday night as the Indiana Fever clashed with the Chicago Sky in a game that will be remembered as an instant WNBA classic. The 2025 season has already given fans plenty to cheer for, but this matchup delivered everything – highlight-reel plays, fierce rivalries, and a breathtaking finish that had Gainbridge Fieldhouse on its feet for the final minutes.
First Quarter: Trading Buckets and Setting the Tone
The game tipped off with both teams trading baskets and setting a frenetic pace from the opening whistle. Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, the league’s leading scorer and reigning Rookie of the Year, wasted no time making her presence felt. She drilled a deep three on the Fever’s first possession, reminding everyone why she’s the talk of the league.
Chicago’s ace, Angel Reese, matched Clark’s energy with her relentless offensive rebounding and fierce put-backs. In the opening frame, Reese tallied 8 points and 5 rebounds, putting pressure on Indiana’s frontcourt. Sky’s Marina Mabrey caught fire from downtown, hitting two consecutive threes to give Chicago a slight lead.
By quarter’s end, the score stood deadlocked at 22-22, with neither team able to pull away.
Second Quarter: Clark Takes Over, Sky Responds
Indiana capitalized on a quick 6-0 run as Clark orchestrated the Fever offense, threading clever passes to Aliyah Boston inside. Boston pounded the paint, finishing tough layups over Reese and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line.
But Chicago wouldn’t go quietly. Kahleah Copper, showing why she’s a perennial All-Star, slashed through Indiana’s defense to score 10 in the quarter, including a jaw-dropping fast-break dunk that electrified the crowd. The Sky shifted to a full-court press, forcing Indiana into a couple of key turnovers, and by halftime, Chicago had clawed back to trim Indiana’s lead to just two points. The scoreboard read 44-42 as the teams headed to the locker room.
Halftime Notes & Player Stats
- Caitlin Clark: 17 points, 5 assists
- Angel Reese: 12 points, 8 rebounds
- Aliyah Boston: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- Kahleah Copper: 14 points
- Team Stats: Fever shot 48% from the field, while the Sky held a 20-15 rebounding edge.
Third Quarter: Physical Play Heats Up
As expected, the intensity ramped up in the third. Both teams tightened their defense, and the referees let them play, despite the physicality in the paint. Clark and Reese exchanged words after a hard foul, firing up both squads. A technical foul on Chicago’s bench further fueled the Fever, leading to a momentum-shifting fast-break capped by a Clark and-one.
Yet, Chicago’s bench stepped up at just the right time. Dana Evans came off the pine with instant offense, scoring 8 points in a three-minute stretch, including a buzzer-beating jumper that tied the game at 66-66 heading to the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: A Thrilling Finish
With the game hanging in the balance, stars from both teams stepped up. Clark opened the quarter with a signature logo three, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Aliyah Boston continued to dominate on the boards. For Chicago, Reese was everywhere—contesting shots, creating second-chance points, and setting ferocious screens.
With under four minutes left, Chicago grabbed a 78-77 lead after Copper finished an acrobatic and-one layup. Indiana coach Christie Sides called a timeout to settle her squad, and out of the break, Clark found Lexie Hull for a go-ahead corner three to reclaim the lead.
The back-and-forth continued: Reese answered right back with a powerful offensive rebound and putback. With just 45 seconds on the clock, the game was tied at 84. Clark took over, draining a contested jumper from the elbow, giving Indiana an 86-84 edge.
On the ensuing Sky possession, Copper drew a foul and made one of two free throws. Indiana led 86-85 with 12 seconds remaining.
Final Seconds: Clark Seals the Deal
Inbounding the ball with the shot clock off, the Sky got the ball to Copper. She drove the lane, but Aliyah Boston’s clutch block sent the loose ball out to Clark, who was immediately fouled. Clark stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws, capping her monster performance.
With two seconds left, Chicago’s last-ditch three-point attempt by Mabrey rattled out, and the Fever celebrated a dramatic 88-85 victory.
Full Game Highlights:
- Caitlin Clark: 31 PTS, 9 AST, 5 REB, 4 3PT
- Aliyah Boston: 18 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK
- Lexie Hull: 12 PTS (including two critical threes in the final quarter)
- Angel Reese: 22 PTS, 14 REB, 4 STL
- Kahleah Copper: 23 PTS
- Dana Evans: 14 PTS off the bench
Postgame Quotes:
- Caitlin Clark: “That was a battle. Chicago always brings out the best in us. Our fans were incredible tonight, and we fed off that energy.”
- Angel Reese: “We played hard for 40 minutes. This one hurts, but we’ll learn from it. Can’t wait until we see them again.”
Takeaways & Looking Ahead
The win strengthens Indiana’s playoff hopes, vaulting them into fourth place in the hotly contested Eastern Conference. Clark continues to make her case for league MVP, while Boston’s two-way dominance is winning fans and analysts alike.
For Chicago, the loss stings but proves they can hang with any team in the league. With Reese developing into an all-league force and Copper’s unbreakable will, expect the Sky to be major threats come playoff time.
This one had everything: star power, drama, and late-game heroics—a true showcase of where the WNBA is headed in 2025.
Final Score
Indiana Fever 88 | Chicago Sky 85
Stay tuned for more WNBA coverage, highlights, and analysis as the playoff push heats up!
