Odyssey Sims made positive her return to Los Angeles was unforgettable. Simply weeks after being waived by the Sparks, Sims buried a clutch 3-pointer after which scored the game-winning layup with 13.6 seconds left to push the Indiana Fever to a 76-75 victory on Friday night time at Crypto.com Enviornment.
The consequence not solely gave Indiana its first win in opposition to Los Angeles this season, but in addition strengthened its grip on a playoff place. The Fever (21-18) sit sixth within the standings with 5 video games remaining, reducing their magic quantity to 3 to clinch a postseason berth. The Sparks, in the meantime, fell to 17-20, a dangerous loss in their very own playoff chase.
Sims Delivers within the Clutch
Sims’ execution down the stretch outlined the sport. With the Fever trailing 74-71 inside the ultimate minute, the veteran guard confidently rose up from past the arc, sinking a 3-pointer with 50.8 seconds left to tie it. On the subsequent journey, after Azurá Stevens cut up a pair of free throws to provide Los Angeles a one-point lead, Sims pushed the ball downhill and lofted a one-handed runner in visitors that dropped by means of the online.
The basket gave Indiana a 76-75 edge it could not relinquish. Los Angeles had one remaining probability within the closing seconds, however the Fever protection swarmed Kelsey Plum, forcing a turnover because the clock expired.
“I believe I’m the human definition of ‘we keep prepared, you don’t need to prepare,’” Sims stated. “These are alternatives that you would be able to’t let slip away. You by no means know what tomorrow brings. You be on the staff sooner or later, gone the subsequent day. So simply with the ability to are available in and keep prepared … all people pours into one another greater than I’ve ever seen on another staff I’ve ever been on. And that speaks volumes.”
Sims completed with 21 factors on 10-of-20 capturing, six rebounds, and three assists, marking her second consecutive 20-point efficiency after scoring 22 earlier within the week in opposition to Seattle. Her late-game poise stood out in opposition to the staff that allow her go lower than two months in the past.
Boston’s Two-Method Influence
Aliyah Boston anchored Indiana all through, stuffing the stat sheet with 22 factors on 11-of-18 capturing, 11 rebounds, and a career-high six steals. The defensive efficiency was the most effective by a Fever participant in almost a decade, matching the six-steal mark final recorded by present Fever assistant Briann January in 2016.
Boston’s most crucial play got here with 20 seconds left when she grabbed a key offensive rebound, organising Sims’ decisive layup. For Boston, the sport was one other instance of the staff’s resilience in tight conditions.
“From the beginning of our season, we’ve talked a few season’s not going to be good and if one thing occurs, subsequent girl up,” Boston stated. “Irrespective of who is available in, regardless of who steps up, we’re all simply actually completely satisfied for one another.”
She additionally credited her teammates and coaches for holding her confidence excessive regardless of early missed photographs. “They weren’t anxious about my missed photographs. It simply got here all the way down to proceed to play, proceed to play. They imagine in me a lot. That helped me.”
White Praises Defensive Grit
Head coach Stephanie White acknowledged the Fever didn’t all the time play clear basketball — they dedicated 15 turnovers and endured stretches of offensive drought — however she praised their willpower to complete robust.
“I’m extremely happy with the defensive effort,” White stated. “To carry Jackson and Plum scoreless in a half is big for this group. It wasn’t preferrred — it was ugly at instances — however we dug in. When you concentrate on key defensive stops, key offensive rebounds like AB’s on the finish, it was gut-check time and our staff stepped as much as the problem.”
White emphasised the selflessness of the roster, noting that contributions have come from all corners regardless of accidents. “The selfless nature of this group simply can’t be overstated,” she stated. “That’s why we’re capable of be in positions like this.”
Powers Rising on the Wing
Whereas Sims and Boston led the way in which, Aerial Powers made her presence felt off the bench. Signed to a hardship contract lower than per week in the past, the versatile wing logged quarter-hour, scoring 9 factors on 4-of-8 capturing and grabbing six rebounds.
Her emergence has been particularly necessary with Sophie Cunningham sidelined for the season and Chloe Bibby working her manner again from a knee harm. Powers has shortly climbed into the rotation, exhibiting her potential to spell Lexie Hull at small ahead and supply toughness on each ends.
“She’s totally wholesome and has given us a spark,” White stated pregame. “Her potential to defend a number of positions and play inside our system has been useful instantly.
Wanting Forward
The Fever’s victory over Los Angeles was about greater than standings — it was about sending a message. For a staff that had dropped all three earlier conferences to the Sparks, Friday’s end result was a psychological increase and a sensible one, giving Indiana an important head-to-head win because the playoff race tightens.
Indiana now turns its consideration to the rest of its highway journey. The Fever face Golden State on Sunday earlier than touring to Phoenix on Tuesday. They return dwelling to Gainbridge Fieldhouse subsequent Friday to host the Chicago Sky, with the possibility to inch even nearer to their first playoff berth since 2016.
