Veteran Leadership Meets Rookie Stardom in Statement Victory

The Indiana Fever kicked off their 2025 WNBA season in dominant fashion with a 101–66 victory over the Chicago Sky on opening night — and leading the way were two of the team’s brightest stars from very different generations: rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and veteran All-Star DeWanna Bonner.

In the postgame recap, both players emphasized a message that was loud and clear on the court: this team is ready to compete — now.

Caitlin Clark: A Debut to Remember

After months of hype and expectation, Caitlin Clark delivered one of the most impressive rookie debuts in league history. She recorded a triple-double in her very first professional game, finishing with:

30 points

11 assists

10 rebounds

5 three-pointers

Clark set the tone from the opening tip, blending deep shooting range with court vision and next-level poise. Postgame, she downplayed her individual performance and focused on the team:

“I just wanted to help us win. We’ve been building chemistry since camp, and tonight, it all came together. Everyone was locked in — it was fun.”

Her triple-double makes her just the second rookie in WNBA history to achieve that milestone in a debut, and the first to do so on opening night.

DeWanna Bonner: Experience and Efficiency

On the other end of the experience spectrum, 36-year-old DeWanna Bonner reminded everyone why she’s still one of the league’s most reliable scorers. Bonner dropped 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting and passed the 7,000 career points milestone — joining an elite list of just five players to reach that mark.

Speaking after the game, Bonner praised Clark’s leadership:

“She’s special. Her energy, her vision — it’s contagious. For a rookie to come in and command the floor like that? That’s rare. I’m proud to be on the court with her.”

Bonner also credited the team’s preparation and chemistry for the win, saying, “This wasn’t just about one player. Everybody stepped up. That’s what makes us dangerous.”

Total Team Effort Shines

While Clark and Bonner drew most of the headlines, the Fever’s dominant performance was a true team effort. Key contributions included:

Aliyah Boston: 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, strong interior presence

NaLyssa Smith: 15 points, 6 rebounds, excellent in transition

Kelsey Mitchell: 12 points off the bench, key perimeter threat

Indiana shot 52% from the field, held the Sky to just 36%, and forced 18 turnovers, turning defense into easy offense all night long.

Angel Reese & the Sky Struggle to Find Rhythm

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese had a solid but quiet night, finishing with 14 points and 8 rebounds, but was visibly frustrated at times as the Fever pulled away. The Sky failed to contain Clark’s ball movement and looked overwhelmed by Indiana’s pace and floor spacing.

A New Era for the Fever

This win marks more than just a great start to the season — it may represent the beginning of a new era for the Indiana Fever. With Clark bringing energy and Bonner providing steady leadership, the team looks balanced, hungry, and ready to rise in the WNBA standings.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Clark said after the game, “but if we play like this — sharing the ball, defending hard, trusting each other — we’re going to be a problem.”

Up Next

The Fever will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, where they’ll face a tougher opponent and a road crowd eager to test the rookie star. But if opening night is any indication, Caitlin Clark and the Fever are ready for all challenges ahead.