Indiana Fever Suffer Fourth-Quarter Collapse Against Sparks, Dropping to 7-8

The Indiana Fever experienced a rollercoaster stretch, suffering a fourth-quarter collapse to the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26, falling to 7-8 on the WNBA season despite holding a double-digit lead, with head coach Stephanie White citing a lack of 'killer instinct' and mental lapses as recurring issues. Fan frustration has mounted, with many blaming White's late-game decisions, especially regarding lineup choices and defensive breakdowns. The loss was compounded by the absence of star rookie Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury, and the team is also adapting to Damiris Dantas' temporary departure for international play, relying on expanded roles for Makayla Timpson and Brianna Turner to bolster their depth. However, Indiana bounced back the next night with a 94-86 win over the Dallas Wings, improving to 8-8, though they struggled to contain Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers, who scored 27 points. Coach White emphasized the challenge of stopping elite players like Bueckers, focusing instead on making their efforts as difficult as possible. With the All-Star break approaching, the Fever face urgent pressure to address late-game execution and defensive consistency.