In a dramatic showdown on Saturday, July 5, the Los Angeles sparks narrowly defeated the Indiana fever 89-87 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This hard-fought victory for the Sparks marked their second win against the Fever in just two weeks and ended Indiana’s promising three-game winning streak. The game’s outcome hung in the balance until the final buzzer, culminating in a missed shot that sealed the Fever’s fate.
A significant storyline heading into the contest was the continued absence of Fever star guard Caitlin Clark, who missed her fifth consecutive game due to a left groin injury. This marked her tenth game sidelined this season. Despite playing without their leading scorer, the Fever had demonstrated resilience, securing three straight wins coming into this matchup, including a strong performance against the Seattle Storm where other players stepped up significantly. However, the Sparks proved a tough test, securing a crucial road win in this closely contested battle.
Game Flow and Key Turning points
The game saw several lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The Indiana Fever came out strong, establishing a lead early in the first quarter and holding a narrow 45-42 advantage by halftime. They showed efficiency in the first half, capitalizing on seven offensive rebounds and committing only three turnovers, helping them build their lead.
The Los Angeles Sparks, however, found their rhythm after the break. They erased the deficit in the third quarter, fueled in part by effective perimeter shooting, hitting 10 of their first 19 three-point attempts at one point. By the end of the third period, the Sparks had surged ahead, taking a slim 70-69 lead into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle. The Fever managed to recapture the lead late, holding an 84-79 advantage with just over three minutes remaining after a key three-point play. But the Sparks responded with a decisive 10-3 run down the stretch. The turning point came in the final minute when Rickea Jackson scored the go-ahead points, giving Los Angeles an 88-87 lead with 57.7 seconds left. The Fever had a final possession to win the game, but Aliyah Boston’s shot attempt at the buzzer came up short, securing the victory for the Sparks.
Player Performances: Offensive Highlights
Both teams saw strong individual performances, particularly from their frontcourt players.
For the victorious Los Angeles Sparks, four of their five starters finished the game scoring in double digits, showcasing their balanced offensive attack.
Azura Stevens led the way, recording a double-double with a team-high 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Kelsey Plum was highly efficient, adding 20 points along with three assists and three rebounds. Plum was particularly effective from beyond the arc early in the game and hit crucial shots late in the third quarter.
Dearica Hamby contributed 18 points to the winning effort.
Rookie Rickea Jackson provided 15 points, including the critical go-ahead score in the final minute.
The Indiana Fever also had notable individual outings despite the loss.
Aliyah Boston delivered a strong double-double performance, leading the Fever with a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds. Boston also started efficiently from the field in the first half, shooting 6-of-10.
Natasha Howard nearly achieved a double-double herself, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds. Both Boston and Howard had reached 21 points by the middle of the fourth quarter.
Guard Kelsey Mitchell added 19 points for Indiana.
Rookie Makayla Timpson was highlighted for her strong defensive presence inside, contributing two points, four rebounds, and a blocked shot in limited minutes.
Sydney Colson also chipped in with made three-pointers.
Caitlin Clark’s Injury Status
Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was unable to play in the game against the Sparks as she continues to recover from a left groin injury. This marked her fifth consecutive game missed due to the ailment. While she remains sidelined from game action, Clark has reportedly begun working her way back, participating in limited practice drills such as semi-live shooting and 3-on-3 sessions leading up to the game.
Clark was present on the bench during the game, supporting her teammates. Fever coach Stephanie White addressed Clark’s potential return, indicating that the team’s preference is for Clark to return to the lineup when she is healthy enough to play without minutes restrictions. This approach prioritizes her long-term health, even as the team navigates a tough stretch without their primary offensive engine. Clark’s absence is significant, as she had been a focal point for the Fever when healthy, previously posting multiple 20-point performances and showcasing her playmaking abilities.
Team Context: Streaks and Recent History
The Sparks’ victory carried added significance as it was their second win over the Fever in approximately two weeks. This recent head-to-head success for Los Angeles suggests a challenging matchup for Indiana.
For the Fever, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak that had begun after their previous loss to the Sparks on June 26. That streak included a notable win against the Seattle Storm where players like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull stepped up to compensate for an uncharacteristic off-night from Caitlin Clark. The streak demonstrated the Fever’s growing depth and ability to compete even when facing adversity or missing key players. However, failing to secure a fourth straight win highlights the continued challenge of finding consistent scoring and defensive discipline, especially in close games against competitive opponents like the Sparks. Aliyah Boston herself commented on the need for better defensive discipline at halftime, noting the Sparks were getting “clean looks” and “second-chance points.”
Starting Lineups
The starting fives for the contest were as follows:
Indiana Fever: Guard Kelsey Mitchell, Guard Aari McDonald, Guard Lexie Hull, Forward Natasha Howard, Forward-Center Aliyah Boston.
- Los Angeles Sparks: Guard Julie Allemand, Guard Kelsey Plum, Forward Rickea Jackson, Forward Dearica Hamby, Forward-Center Azura Stevens.
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Looking Ahead
Following this game, the Indiana Fever were scheduled to host the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, July 9. The Los Angeles Sparks were set to host the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, July 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Fever vs. Sparks game on July 5th?
The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Indiana Fever with a final score of 89-87. The game, played on Saturday, July 5, was decided in the closing seconds after a late surge by the Sparks. This result ended the Fever’s three-game winning streak.
Why did Caitlin Clark miss the Indiana Fever game against the Sparks?
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark missed the game against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a left groin injury. This was her fifth consecutive game missed due to the injury and her tenth missed game overall this season. While sidelined, she has been participating in limited practice activities as she works toward a return without minutes restrictions.
Which players had the best performances in the Fever-Sparks game?
For the Los Angeles Sparks, Azura Stevens led the team with 21 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Kelsey Plum also scored 20 points, while Dearica Hamby had 18 and Rickea Jackson added 15, including the go-ahead basket. For the Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston also recorded a double-double with a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Natasha Howard contributed 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Conclusion
The 89-87 victory for the Los Angeles Sparks over the Indiana Fever was a compelling WNBA contest that highlighted both teams’ strengths and challenges. The Sparks’ balanced scoring attack, led by Azura Stevens and Kelsey Plum, proved just enough to overcome strong performances from Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard for the Fever. While Indiana showed continued grit in competing without Caitlin Clark, the ability of the Sparks to execute down the stretch and secure their second recent win against the Fever underscores the competitive nature of the league. As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, they will aim to build on lessons learned from this dramatic Saturday night battle.
