Caitlin Clark scored 20 points and dished out nine assists, but the Indiana Fever lost again Thursday night, getting blown out at home 103-88 by the Seattle Storm.
Five Storm players scored in double figures in the victory, led by Jewell Loyd’s 22. NaLyssa Smith (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Aliyah Boston (11 points, 12 rebounds) had double-doubles for Indiana, but the Fever let Seattle shoot. 56.0% from the field for the game, leading to the loss. Indiana (1-8) remains at the bottom of the WNBA rankings; only the Washington Mystics (0-7) are worse.
After a scoreless first quarter, Clark heated up, scoring 12 points in the second half. That included two 3s, the second of which caused a small scuffle between Clark and Seattle’s Victoria Vivians.
After Clark drained the 32-footer to bring Indiana within six, 34-28, Clark and Vivians collided and exchanged words. Clark was visibly angry about something Vivians had said, but Boston rushed to separate the two before things got too crazy. Yet both players were hit with technical fouls, Clark’s third of the season (the most in the league).
Clark also grabbed three rebounds and blocked a shot — she is Indiana’s blocks leader for the season, with 10 total — but she also snagged seven turnovers. As a team, Indiana punted the ball 13 times, leading to 22 Seattle points. The Storm also dominated the Fever in the paint, outscoring Indiana 56-34.
The Fever were shorthanded Thursday, missing two starters. Forward Temi Fagbenle will be out two to three weeks with a left foot injury, and guard Erica Wheeler missed the game for personal reasons.
Fever coach Christie Sides was also on alert late in the third quarter, furious after Clark drove and missed a tough shot inside. There was a lot of contact – Clark was knocked to the ground – and no fouls.
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