The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 97-77 on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points and eight assists on 6-for-13 shooting, including 2-for-6 from 3-point range. Natasha Howard finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals on 7-for-8 shooting. Odyssey Sims added 13 points and four assists on 5-for-9 shooting.
Aliyah Boston had 11 points, four rebounds and five assists on 5-for-8 shooting. Aerial Powers contributed 10 points off the bench.
Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 6-for-9 shooting. Michaela Onyenwere scored 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Elizabeth Williams chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while Ariel Atkins added 10 points.
With the win, the Fever (22-20) snapped a two-game losing skid. They strengthened their hold on the eighth and final playoff spot. They now have a 2.5-game lead over ninth-place LA Sparks, which lost on Friday. On the other hand, the Sky (10-31) are already eliminated from playoff contention.
The teams' most prominent stars were unavailable for Friday's game. Chicago's Angel Reese served her one-game suspension for reaching the WNBA's technical foul limit. Meanwhile, Indiana's Caitlin Clark announced Thursday that she will miss the remainder of the season.
Friday's game was the fifth and final meeting between the teams, and Indiana has swept the regular-season series (5-0) against Chicago. The Fever won by an average margin of 23.8 points.
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever player stats and box score
Indiana Fever player stats and box score
Chicago Sky player stats and box score
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game summary
The Indiana Fever led by as many as 17 in the opening quarter. They held a 31-15 lead over the Chicago Sky at the end of the first 10 minutes. Kelsey Mitchell scored 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting to lead Indiana.
The Fever increased their lead to 21 in the second quarter, and at halftime, they led 56-41. Mitchell led Indiana in the first half with 15 points and five assists. Odyssey Sims added 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting, while Natasha Howard scored 10 points (3-for-3 shooting).
Kamilla Cardoso and Elizabeth Williams scored nine points apiece to lead Chicago in the first half. Ariel Atkins added eight points on 3-for-6 shooting.
After three quarters, the Fever had an 18-point lead (78-60). They maintained the huge advantage in the final period to grab their 22nd win.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday. Chicago will battle the Las Vegas Aces, while Indiana will face the Washington Mystics.