The start of the 2025 WNBA season didn’t go as planned for the Chicago Sky, who faced a tough loss at the hands of the Indiana Fever on May 17. The highly anticipated regular season opener was supposed to be a fresh beginning for the Sky under new head coach Tyler Marsh, but instead, the team was handed a crushing 93-58 defeat. Still, amid the disappointment, Marsh made a bold and defiant promise to fans: this game will not define their season.
The Indiana Fever, led by second-year sensation Caitlin Clark, came out firing on all cylinders. Clark delivered a dominant performance, registering a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Her impact on the game was undeniable, and despite Chicago’s efforts to contain her, Clark proved why she remains one of the league’s brightest young stars.
The game wasn’t without its drama. A flagrant foul committed by Clark on Chicago rookie Angel Reese in the third quarter sparked conversation across social media and sports news outlets. Yet beyond the controversy, the game showcased just how dangerous the Fever can be when firing on all fronts — and how much work lies ahead for the rebuilding Sky.
Chicago’s struggles were multifaceted. Aside from being unable to stop Clark’s scoring and playmaking, the Sky were plagued by sloppy ball control, turning the ball over 19 times. These turnovers often led to easy transition points for Indiana, allowing them to widen the gap and keep momentum throughout the game.
Despite the tough loss, Coach Marsh took a measured and optimistic tone when addressing the media postgame. He acknowledged the challenges of guarding a multi-dimensional player like Clark and admitted his squad needs to do better. “I thought we did a decent job with her in transition,” Marsh said. “I think that in pick and roll, she hurt us a little bit. And it’s one of those things where, if she can get it going scoring-wise and facilitating, she’s tough to stop.”
He emphasized that defending a star like Clark isn’t a solo task. “It’s never a one-person effort when it comes to a player like her,” he continued. “It’s a group effort, it’s a team effort. And you don’t just guard her with one person. You guard her with all five.”
But what stood out most was the unwavering belief Marsh expressed in his team’s potential. “This game will not define our season. I can promise you that,” he declared, signaling confidence that better performances are ahead.
Marsh and the Sky won’t have much time to dwell on the loss. Their next matchup is scheduled for May 22 against the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty. That clash will present another major test early in the season — but also another opportunity for redemption.
Fans won’t have to wait long for a rematch between the Sky and the Fever, either. Chicago will have their chance to rewrite the narrative when they face Caitlin Clark and Indiana again on June 7. Until then, all eyes will be on how Coach Marsh and his team respond to adversity, as they look to prove that one bad game doesn’t make a season.