The Indiana Fever vs LA Sparks game on Wednesday presented two teams with different realities. The Fever had already clinched a playoff spot and climbed to the sixth position, while the Sparks’ season was all but over.
In the first quarter, the Fever took a 23-19 lead, with the Sparks trying to keep up with Caitlin Clark and company. The second period was closer, with the Sparks taking a 30-29 lead with 6:21 minutes on the clock.
The Sparks finished the first half up by one point, 48-47, behind Kia Nurse's unexpected outburst. She scored 10 points in 10 minutes of action.
The third quarter was competitive, with Caitlin Clark trying to get things going. She was more active on both ends, scoring five points to start the period and grabbing rebounds on defense.
The Clark show continued in the fourth quarter, as the rookie grabbed more rebounds, hit 3-pointers and set up teammates for scores. She connected with her 100th 3-pointer of the season, becoming the first rookie and seventh player in WNBA history to reach this mark.
Clark scored a game-best 24 points, the same as Aliyah Boston. She recorded a triple-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Boston put on a double-double with 14 rebounds.
On the other end, Odyssey Sims led the Sparks with 20 points while Dearica Hamby contributed 16 points.
Indiana Fever vs LA Sparks player stats and box scores for Sep. 4
Indiana Fever player stats and box scores
LA Sparks player stats and box scores
The Indiana Fever have won five consecutive games and are two games above the .500 mark. With a playoff berth already clinched, the Fever are trying to climb positions and finish the regular season on the best note. They take on the Minnesota Lynx on Friday before a four-game homestand.
As for the Sparks, they'll visit Wintrust Arena on Friday to face the Chicago Sky. They will return to Crypto.com Arena to face the Sun twice and the Storm as they look to wrap up the season with a couple of wins.