By Lindsay Burke
The Indiana Fever returned home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse after a week long road trip. The challenge ahead of them seemed like it would be too much given the fact that their roster is so depleted due to injuries. The Fever started the game off fast after three quick 3-point attempts from newly acquired Shey Peddy who quickly showed her comfort with her new team. The Fever were led in scoring by Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell.
The Fever led for much of the entire first half against Minnesota who was without their MVP candidate, Napheesa Collier. After taking a 52-50 lead into halftime, the third quarter woes returned for the Fever. They allowed Minnesota to come back from as many as 11 points down after committing turnovers and missed opportunities. A late fourth quarter push led by Lexie Hull’s career high day, the Lynx walked away with a 95-90 win.
Not being able to close out games has been much of the Fever’s problem. They oftentimes start the game off fast, but lose much of the rhythm coming out of halftime. Kelsey Mitchell has been the team’s most consistent player adding 28 points. But defensively they get sloppy committing turnovers and no longer playing with quick tempo. Shey Peddy fit right into the Fever’s system adding 10 points after Odyssey Sims would exit the game and Chloe Bibby was declared out just after pregame warm ups after feeling pain in her left knee.
The Fever will look to bounce back in a rematch with the Lynx Sunday at 7 p.m on CBS.