During Sunday’s WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Seattle Storm, Skylar Diggins-Smith experienced a frustrating moment on the bench that caught the attention of fans, particularly for the laughter from Fever players Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and Sydney Colson. Clark, sidelined due to a right groin injury, appeared to be amused by Diggins-Smith’s reaction after a chaotic play in the fourth quarter.
Diggins-Smith collided with Kelsey Mitchell, which caused her to fall hard to the court. Although the referees’ call favored Diggins-Smith, she visibly showed frustration as she moved to the opposite side of the court ahead of the team’s offensive possession near the Fever bench. Her animated discussion with referees and muttering to herself seemed to be the source of amusement for the Fever trio.
Players’ Reactions Spark Speculation Among Fans
The scene showed Clark, Hull, and Colson watching Diggins-Smith intently before breaking into laughter. Observers were left wondering about the cause of their amusement. While some speculated that Sydney Colson, known for her humor, might have cracked a joke, others believed the laughter resulted from Diggins-Smith’s fall and reaction. Lexie Hull was seen playfully patting Colson’s knee as a signal to calm down.
Fever Secure Fifth Straight Win Without Caitlin Clark
The Indiana Fever demonstrated strong team resilience despite Clark’s recent injury setbacks, including her third injury before the All-Star break. Without their star guard, the team has impressively won five consecutive games, improving their record to 8-5. Sunday’s 78-74 victory over the Seattle Storm, led by Diggins-Smith, showcased the Fever’s depth and collective effort.
Sophie Cunningham made a significant impact by scoring 17 points and securing five rebounds while converting five of six field goal attempts. Her free-throw consistency was notable as well, making three out of four attempts. Natasha Howard also contributed significantly with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showing high efficiency by shooting 10-for-12. Aliyah Boston maintained her strong performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals, further boosting the team during a challenging offensive night for top scorer Kelsey Mitchell, who managed only nine points on 3-of-16 shooting.
Defensively, the Fever’s teamwork shone through, as they limited the Storm’s leading scorers—Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Gabby Williams—to 16 points or fewer each. This defensive strength played a crucial role in securing the win despite the absence of their injured star.
Team’s Forward Outlook With Clark on the Sidelines
Indiana’s success in the absence of Caitlin Clark highlights the team’s growing confidence and adaptability. The Fever aim to maintain this consistency as Clark continues her recovery from the right groin injury. Allowing her the necessary time to heal fully is critical to ensuring a strong and healthy return to the court, which could further boost the team’s chances in the remaining season.