The Indiana Fever's struggles continued as they fell to the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26, 2025, by a score of 85-75. This defeat, which occurred at their home arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, further highlighted the team's inability to maintain leads and close out games. The loss was particularly frustrating as it came with Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a left groin injury, suffered in the final minute of their previous game against the Seattle Storm. The Fever had built a solid lead, taking an eight-point advantage into the fourth quarter, only to falter down the stretch.
This marks yet another instance of the Fever squandering a double-digit lead, a concerning trend that has plagued them throughout the season. In response to the recurring collapses, head coach Stephanie White delivered a candid 32-second assessment in the locker room, expressing her frustration with the team's mentality.
"I mean, I think that we haven't shown a killer instinct yet," White stated. "We have had a tendency to relax in those moments, instead of... go for the kill." She further elaborated on the issues, pointing to "empty possessions" where the team has been "too lax with the basketball" and "breakdowns on the defensive end of the floor." White emphasized that these "moments of mental lapses or mental relaxation" are unacceptable in the highly competitive WNBA.
The absence of Caitlin Clark undoubtedly impacted the Fever's performance. Clark, who previously missed five games due to a quad injury in late May, has been a focal point of the team's offense. In her absence, Sydney Colson stepped into the starting lineup, but the team struggled to find the same offensive rhythm.
Prior to the game, Coach White acknowledged the need to adjust the game plan without Clark. "I think anytime you lose a player like Caitlin that's going to be out of the lineup, you definitely have to adjust things," White said. She noted that the return of Aari McDonald, who had previously signed an emergency hardship contract with the team, would provide some familiarity and stability to the system.
The Fever's record now stands at 7-8 for the 2025 WNBA season, with a 4-4 record at home. While the team has shown flashes of potential, their inability to maintain focus and execute down the stretch remains a significant hurdle. As they prepare to face the Dallas Wings, the Fever will need to address their mental toughness and find a way to develop the "killer instinct" that Coach White believes is currently lacking.
