The United Center was packed to the rafters. The air buzzed with anticipation as 21,000 fans poured in, ready for a prime-time Friday night showdown in the heart of Chicago. The storylines were set: Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation and face of the Indiana Fever, was out with a quad injury. Sixth woman Sophie Cunningham was also sidelined, and even head coach Stephanie White was missing due to personal reasons. The Chicago Sky, led by Angel Reese, smelled blood in the water. This was supposed to be their revenge game.

Instead, the Fever delivered a beatdown so thorough, so absolute, that it turned the “rivalry” into a one-sided affair and left the Sky and their fans in stunned silence.

No Clark, No Problem

With Clark, Cunningham, and White all missing, the Fever were expected to fold. The narrative was simple: Indiana was nothing without their superstar rookie. But what unfolded on the court was a masterclass in team basketball, resilience, and leadership—a blueprint for how to win when the odds are stacked against you.

Kelsey Mitchell, often criticized for inconsistency this season, answered the call. She poured in 17 points, moving off the ball with purpose and attacking the basket with newfound confidence. Mitchell didn’t try to be Clark; she was the best version of herself, and it was more than enough. Her leadership steadied the team and set the tone from the opening tip.

Lexie Hull, enjoying a breakout season, continued her hot streak. She went a perfect two-for-two from three-point range and posted the highest plus/minus on the team. Hull’s defense was relentless, her shooting timely, and her energy infectious.

Aaliyah Boston, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, finally delivered the two-way performance Fever fans have been waiting for. Boston finished with 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, and tied her career high with five blocks. She anchored the paint, altered shots, and controlled the glass, showing why she’s considered one of the league’s rising stars.

And then there was Ary McDonald.

The Ary McDonald Effect

Signed just days earlier on a hardship contract, Ary McDonald was supposed to be a depth piece. Instead, she ran the offense like a seasoned pro, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block. Her impact went well beyond the box score. McDonald hit three crucial three-pointers, disrupted Chicago’s offense with her quick hands, and injected a sense of calm and control into every possession.

The Fever’s offense flowed differently with McDonald at the helm. The ball moved crisply, and the team racked up 20 assists on 27 made shots. Indiana shot 45.8% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 threes. Every possession looked effortless, every player knew their role, and the Sky simply had no answers.

Sky’s Nightmare Continues

For Chicago, the night was a disaster from start to finish. Not a single Sky player scored in double figures. Angel Reese, the highly touted rookie and centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild, was held to just four points on 2-of-7 shooting, though she did grab 12 rebounds. The Sky as a team shot a miserable 32.1% from the field and an even worse 20% from three. They committed 19 turnovers, which the Fever gleefully converted into easy points.

This was supposed to be the Sky’s revenge game after being blown out by 35 points in Indianapolis earlier in the season. Instead, they suffered an even more humiliating 27-point loss in front of their home fans. The combined 62-point margin across both games this season tells the whole story: Indiana owns Chicago, with or without Caitlin Clark.

Austin Kelly’s Moment

With Stephanie White absent, assistant coach Austin Kelly stepped into the spotlight and looked every bit the part of a head coach. His calm demeanor, confident posture, and tactical acumen kept the Fever locked in from start to finish. Kelly’s message was simple: set the tone on defense, play together, and execute the game plan. The players responded, holding Chicago’s starters to just eight made field goals on 29 attempts and limiting the Sky to 32% shooting for the game.

After the final buzzer, the Fever’s locker room erupted in celebration. Players drenched Kelly with water, and even Clark, sidelined on the bench, joined in the festivities, shouting encouragement and celebrating her teammates’ triumph.

A Statement Win

This was more than just a win. It was a statement to the rest of the league: the Indiana Fever are not a one-woman show. They have depth, heart, and the kind of chemistry that wins championships. Mitchell, Hull, Boston, and McDonald all stepped up in different ways, sharing the load and trusting each other when it mattered most.

As for the Sky, the questions only grow louder. Can Angel Reese lead this team against elite competition? Can Chicago find any answers against a Fever squad that seems to have their number?

The Fever’s dominance over Chicago is now complete and total. Revenge was served colder than a Chicago winter, and it tasted absolutely perfect for Indiana.

If you haven’t been paying attention to what’s happening in Indianapolis, now is the time. This Fever team just proved they’re built for more than highlights—they’re built for hardware. And when Clark returns, the rest of the league should be very, very afraid.