Indiana Fever Near Playoff Berth After Season Sweep of Chicago Sky

The Indiana Fever secured a 97-77 victory over the Chicago Sky, moving closer to clinching a playoff berth in the WNBA. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 20 points, and Natasha Howard contributed 18, while the team capitalized on Chicago's 24 turnovers to maintain control throughout the game. Both teams were missing key players, with Fever guard Caitlin Clark sidelined for the season due to a groin injury, and Sky star Angel Reese suspended for the game and part of the next due to technical fouls and team disciplinary issues. Indiana improved to 22-20, establishing a 2 1/2-game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks, who lost earlier that night, putting the Fever in a strong position to clinch a playoff spot with one more win or a Sparks loss. The Fever dominated early, leading 31-15 after the first quarter, and maintained a lead for the remainder of the game. Indiana will next face the Washington Mystics, while Chicago, out of postseason contention, travels to Las Vegas.