Fever vs Storm: Indiana Wins 5th Straight Without Clark

The Indiana Fever have done it again. In what can only be described as a heart-pounding, high-stakes matchup on Sunday night in Seattle, the Fever edged past the Seattle Storm 78-74 in a thriller that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. This nail-biting contest extended Indiana’s win streak to five games  the franchise’s longest since 2015 and reaffirmed the team’s resilience, grit, and collective strength, even in the absence of their star guard Caitlin Clark.

While fans might have expected a different script with Clark sidelined due to a right groin injury, what unfolded at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena was a testament to team basketball, player development, and big-moment execution.

Let’s dive deep into what made this “Fever vs Storm” clash so unforgettable and what it means for both teams moving forward in the 2025 WNBA season.

Historic Feat Without Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark has been the driving force behind the Fever’s resurgence in recent years. Last season, during a five-game win streak from August to September, Clark lit up the stat sheet with averages of 24.2 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. She was instrumental in that run, draining 21 three-pointers over that stretch.

But this time? Indiana’s winning ways have come without her.

Clark has missed the last seven games with a right groin injury, and yet, the Fever have continued to rise. This time, it’s a team-wide effort from the dominance of Aliyah Boston in the paint to the red-hot shooting of Sophie Cunningham, the Fever have found new ways to win.

Fever’s Late-Game Composure Signals Growth

Up by 12 points midway through the fourth quarter, Indiana looked like they might cruise to a double-digit victory. But as every WNBA fan knows, the Storm are not a team that backs down especially at home.

Seattle responded with an 11-0 scoring run, slicing the Fever’s lead to just one point after a gutsy and-1 finish by Skylar Diggins-Smith with just over two minutes remaining.

In previous seasons, this would’ve been the point where the Fever folded. But not this year.

“I think it shows the growth that we’ve had as a team,” said forward Sophie Cunningham. “Earlier in the season, we were just so inconsistent. If teams went on a run, we’d collapse. Now, we know how to stay composed and fight back.”

Cunningham, who scored 17 points and hit 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, had her best game in a Fever uniform. But it wasn’t just her it was everyone stepping up when it mattered.

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Aliyah Boston: The Anchor Inside

Aliyah Boston continues to be the stabilizing force for Indiana, racking up her sixth straight double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Her effort on both ends of the court was vital especially her defensive rebound off Gabby Williams’ missed game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds.

Boston has evolved into a consistent force in the paint, commanding double-teams, protecting the rim, and doing the dirty work. She may not always get the spotlight, but her performance Sunday was impossible to ignore.

“Aliyah just gives us such confidence,” said head coach Stephanie White. “When she’s on the court, we know we’ve got someone who can deliver in big moments.”

The Storm: Close But Not Quite

On the other side, Seattle has reason to be proud despite the loss. Sunday marked their second straight game that ended in the final seconds. Just two nights earlier, the Storm dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Sparks after Skylar Diggins missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.

Now, against Indiana, another close contest ended in heartbreak.

“We executed the game plan well,” said head coach Noelle Quinn. “We got the looks we wanted down the stretch. We just didn’t finish. But I’m proud of the way we fought.”

Seattle missed five three-pointers in the last 67 seconds, including one from Gabby Williams that could’ve sent the game to overtime. The opportunities were there, but the shots simply didn’t fall.

Skylar Diggins-Smith: Leading by Example

Despite the late miss, Skylar Diggins-Smith put together an inspiring performance. Her 17 points and aggressive play were instrumental in Seattle’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt. Her experience, leadership, and fearlessness in clutch moments continue to set the tone for the Storm.

“Skylar’s been a warrior for us,” Quinn said. “She makes plays, takes responsibility, and lifts the team. We’ll be better for having gone through this.”

Stephanie White: Full Circle Moment

Sunday’s win was also special for head coach Stephanie White, who led the Fever to a similar five-game win streak back in 2015 during her first stint. A decade later, she’s back at the helm — and once again guiding Indiana to meaningful victories.

“I’m proud of our group,” White said postgame. “Not just because we won, but because of how we stayed even-keeled and focused on the next play. That’s what winning teams do.”

She also acknowledged how nerve-wracking the final moments were:

“My stomach was doing flips,” she said with a laugh. “We were fortunate those shots didn’t fall, but we made our own luck by staying disciplined.”

Where Both Teams Stand Now in the WNBA Standings

With this victory, the Fever move a game ahead of Seattle in the WNBA standings and climb to fifth place. It’s a major momentum boost for a team that has managed to stay hot despite losing their star player.

The Storm, meanwhile, drop to sixth. But their competitive spirit, tough defense, and veteran leadership suggest that this team could be dangerous down the stretch especially once they start closing games.

Key Stats: Fever vs Storm

Social media exploded after the final buzzer, with fans praising Indiana’s resilience and Seattle’s heart. Here are a few fan takes:

• “Aliyah Boston is so underrated. She’s carrying this team in crunch time!”

• “Storm just need ONE of those threes to fall… heartbreaker.”

• “Cunningham’s shooting is the X-factor. Fever can go far if she keeps this up.”

What’s Next for the Fever and Storm?

Indiana Fever

With Caitlin Clark expected to return soon, Indiana could become even more dangerous. The team is finding its identity without her and adding her back into the lineup will only elevate the chemistry and scoring.

Next up: A road trip to face the red-hot New York Liberty.

Seattle Storm

Seattle will look to bounce back quickly. Their defense has been solid, but the offense needs to finish late-game opportunities. They’ll have a chance to regroup at home before heading on a tough East Coast road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the recent Fever vs Storm game?

The Indiana Fever won 78-74 against the Seattle Storm, extending their win streak to five games.

2. Why didn’t Caitlin Clark play against the Storm?

Caitlin Clark missed the game due to a right groin injury and has been out for seven straight games.

3. How did the Fever hold off the Storm’s late comeback?

Despite Seattle’s 11-0 run in the fourth quarter, Indiana maintained composure and made key plays in the final minutes.

4. Who led the Fever in performance against Seattle?

Sophie Cunningham stood out with 17 points and 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, while Aliyah Boston had a double-double (16 points, 12 rebounds).

5. What’s the Fever’s current winning streak record?

Indiana’s five-game winning streak ties their longest since 2015 under coach Stephanie White’s earlier tenure.

6. How did the Storm perform in the final moments?

Seattle missed five 3-pointers in the last 67 seconds, including a final attempt by Gabby Williams that rimmed out.

Conclusion: A Statement Win for Indiana, A Gut-Check for Seattle

The “Fever vs Storm” matchup wasn’t just a regular season game it was a measuring stick, a playoff-like battle, and a test of character. Indiana proved they can win close games without Caitlin Clark. Seattle showed they can hang with top-tier teams but need to find that extra push to get over the hump.

Both teams are playoff contenders, and if this game is any indication, a postseason rematch could be an absolute classic.

As the WNBA season heats up, the Fever and Storm will both be teams to watch. For now, Indiana gets the edge and a major boost of confidence as they ride a wave of momentum into the heart of the season.