The Indiana Fever made a statement on opening day of the 2025 WNBA season, delivering a dominating 35-point win over the Chicago Sky. From the very first whistle, Indiana showed that they are a team on a mission, putting on an offensive and defensive clinic that left the Sky with little to no room to answer.

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With a fast-paced style and aggressive play on both ends of the court, the Fever’s opening performance was one of the most impressive of the season, signaling their intent to be serious contenders in the league.

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A Complete Team Performance

The victory wasn’t just about one star player, but rather a well-rounded team effort. Every player contributed, and the Fever displayed dominant teamwork on both offense and defense.

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Key Player Performances:

Kelsey Mitchell led the charge with 24 points, shooting efficiently from the field, and showcased her ability to control the game with her passing and playmaking.

NaLyssa Smith was a force in the paint, finishing with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while also providing excellent defense.

Destiny Henderson was a dynamic presence at the point guard position, orchestrating the offense and finishing with 7 assists.

 

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Dominating the First Half

From the opening tip, the Fever set the tone. They took control early, with an explosive first half that saw them take a 19-point lead into the locker room. The Chicago Sky, struggling to find any rhythm, were overwhelmed by Indiana’s up-tempo play and suffocating defense.

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In the first two quarters, the Fever shot nearly 50% from the field, moving the ball effectively and finding open looks. Their transition offense was fast and furious, often catching the Sky off guard. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defense held Chicago to just 35 points by halftime, forcing turnovers and limiting the Sky to inefficient shots.

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The Sky’s Struggles

For the Chicago Sky, it was a frustrating performance from start to finish. Despite solid efforts from Kahleah Copper (who finished with 16 points) and Alanna Smith (who had 12 points and 6 rebounds), the Sky simply couldn’t keep up with the Fever’s pace.

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Indiana’s defense made it difficult for Chicago’s shooters to get clean looks, while the Fever’s offensive firepower outclassed the Sky at nearly every turn. As the game wore on, Chicago couldn’t mount any serious runs to challenge Indiana’s lead, and the game quickly turned into a blowout.

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The Third Quarter: A Decisive Blow

The third quarter was the most decisive, as Indiana poured in an additional 14 points to push their lead beyond the 30-point mark. Kelsey Mitchell hit back-to-back three-pointers, and NaLyssa Smith dominated inside, adding another pair of baskets to stretch the lead even further.

At this point, it was clear that the Sky had no answers for Indiana’s relentless offense and defense. By the time the buzzer sounded at the end of the third, the game was effectively over, with the Fever holding an insurmountable lead.

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Final Score: Indiana Fever 95, Chicago Sky 60

The game ended with a final score of 95-60, a 35-point blowout that showcased the Fever’s talent and potential. The win was a perfect way to start the season, with Indiana sending a strong message to the rest of the league about their readiness to compete.

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Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for the Fever

With such an impressive start to the season, the Indiana Fever have set themselves up for what could be a very exciting year. Their balanced offensive attack, coupled with tough defense, makes them a team to watch. If they can maintain this level of play, they will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the playoffs.

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As for the Chicago Sky, this game is one they’ll need to quickly move past. While they certainly have the talent to bounce back, they’ll need to regroup and tighten up their defense if they hope to challenge the top teams in the league this season.

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Conclusion: A Statement Win for Indiana

The Indiana Fever’s opening day performance was a statement win, as they put on a show that demonstrated their potential to be one of the league’s best teams. With key contributions across the board and a dominant win over a quality opponent, the Fever are sending a clear message to the WNBA — they’re here to compete, and they’re not going anywhere.

 

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this revamped Indiana team to see if they can carry this momentum forward and build upon their dominant opening performance.