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00:00Эрика Хамбе,
00:01а terrific low-pose presence
00:02that can also handle the ball.
00:04She averages three assists per game
00:05in the absence of Kelsey Plum.
00:07And for the Indiana Fever,
00:08Monique Billings
00:09averaging a career high
00:11as she has been starting consistently.
00:12Look for her to be an X Factor.
00:15Stephanie White
00:16in her second stint with the Fever.
00:17It's her second season
00:18and she's talked about her team also
00:21being really dialed in
00:22with their schemes defensively
00:23and then challenging
00:24a couple of her backup point guards
00:26that'll be getting some more playing time
00:28for pace and execution.
00:30For more on the situation
00:31with Kaitlin Clark and her timeout
00:33and Ty Harris getting the start in place,
00:34here's Tiffany Black.
00:35Hey, Jordan.
00:36Well, we were told
00:37the organization will reevaluate
00:39Kaitlin Clark this week.
00:41Now, keep in mind,
00:42they won't play again
00:43until next Sunday.
00:44That is July 5th.
00:46Now, with Clark out,
00:47as you mentioned,
00:48Ty Harris is going to get the start.
00:50And Jordan, she told us,
00:51yes, there are big shoes to fill
00:53with no CC in that lineup,
00:55but that everyone's going to have to contribute.
00:56And Coach Stephanie White said,
00:58they are looking for Harris to be detailed
01:00and to get them moving,
01:02particularly when there are stops
01:04like dead balls and free throws.
01:06And Jordan, also keep this in mind.
01:08While this is Harris' second start
01:11in place of an injured card,
01:12it will be her 51st start in the W.
01:15And she's doing it in front of a hometown crowd.
01:16She grew up here as a Fever fan.
01:18Thank you, Tiffany.
01:19Harris, season high, 29 minutes.
01:22Last time she started at home against Portland
01:25earlier in this season.
01:27The Sparks will get the tip.
01:28And Erica Wheeler will be running point for them
01:31as Perel nearly has it poked away from Lexi Hall.
01:34And really for the Sparks,
01:36they have a lot of players
01:37that can get to the paint,
01:38get downhill,
01:38and challenge this Indiana defense.
01:41But the block from Boston
01:42to the corner.
01:44Agumake, shot clock winding down.
01:46Agumake in the paint, Madam President,
01:48rises for two.
01:49And that is where she is so efficient.
01:52And I expect the Sparks' offense tonight
01:54to be patient,
01:55to work to get the best available look.
01:57Multiple reversals in the half court.
01:59The Fever, 17-15 without Kaitlyn Clark.
02:02They push last year's champion,
02:04the Las Vegas Aces,
02:05to game five of the semifinals.
02:07Harris dialed in early on.
02:09Let me tell you what,
02:10that is an important bucket
02:11because it's potentially that the Sparks
02:13were going to lay off of Harris.
02:15Oh, and Burrell going right to the rack.
02:17Swirls out, though,
02:19and then Atkins and Billings
02:20will get tied up,
02:21and it'll be a jump ball.
02:24A really good start.
02:25You see so many defenders
02:27going towards Kelsey Mitchell,
02:28so she gives it up to Harris,
02:30who steps in and knocks it down.
02:32And again, this is important
02:34because Ty Harris may be a player
02:35that you think you don't have
02:36to help on as much,
02:38but she's showing you early.
02:39She's going to make you pay
02:40if you leave her open.
02:41Ice.
02:41She hadn't scored in the last four games,
02:43and it hits the first shot of the game,
02:44so a huge confidence boost,
02:46and we have a violation on the jump ball.
02:48That'll be Indiana basketball.
02:51In our conversation with Coach White,
02:53she's singled out Ty Harris
02:55and wants to see her get the fever
02:58into sets and to orchestrate this offense,
03:00and that first possession
03:01was a thing of beauty.
03:04Lexi Hall looking inside
03:05to Aaliyah Boston
03:06to catch the finish.
03:07It's automatic.
03:09Boston does such a terrific job
03:11at getting deep positioning.
03:13She does her work early.
03:15Boston, a three-time All-Star.
03:17This her fourth season,
03:18well on her way to a fourth one.
03:19Burrell lines up the three.
03:21No good.
03:22Rebound to Mitchell
03:23up ahead to Harris.
03:26That's one thing Indiana's
03:27done a good job of.
03:28Harris looking for another three.
03:29No good.
03:30Billings comes in.
03:31Offensive rebound.
03:32Can't put it back.
03:33And then Hall rips it away.
03:34Tries to save it.
03:35Actions there to Stonewall it,
03:37and that'll be Sparks' ball.
03:39You can see the intensity
03:40on the offensive glass
03:41early from the fever.
03:42Both Hall and Billings
03:44looking to crash.
03:46One thing Indiana
03:47has done well defensively
03:48this season,
03:49they give up the fewest
03:50three-pointers attempted
03:52and made.
03:53Teams are making
03:54just under seven made threes
03:55against them this season.
03:56A lot of ball pressure.
03:59Atkins, corner three.
04:00It's good.
04:01Doesn't even touch the rim.
04:04And D'Erika Hamby's passing.
04:05So elite for a post player.
04:08Saw the shooter
04:10right in the corner.
04:11How about Atkins?
04:12She was scoreless
04:13in their last game
04:14against Toronto.
04:14Played just 14 minutes
04:15dealt with foul trouble.
04:16Mitchell flips it up.
04:18Ball was possibly deflected,
04:19knocked out of bounds
04:20by the Sparks.
04:21It'll be fever ball
04:22with nine to shoot.
04:23We've seen two possessions
04:24already where Kelsey Mitchell
04:25has maybe looked
04:26to come off the screen,
04:27and you're seeing bodies
04:28in the lane.
04:29How about that bounce pass
04:30along the baseline for Hamby?
04:32And like you said,
04:33Ariel Atkins, lefty
04:34ready to knock it down.
04:36That's the challenge
04:37for this Sparks defense.
04:39Can they sag off
04:39of some of these shooters
04:40until they're kept honest?
04:42Harris, the drive
04:43with the right.
04:44Harris picks up the foul
04:45and a chance for one more.
04:47What a start from Ty Harris.
04:50Getting the start today
04:51at the point guard position.
04:54Here, off the ball reversal.
04:56Love the drive
04:57and then the scoop
04:58with the right underneath
04:59the defense.
05:00That's how she draws
05:01the contact on Hamby.
05:03What an ammo.
05:04In her seventh season
05:05at Ice, you know this
05:06so well that she adds
05:07some tip to the bill.
05:08Be ready and stay ready
05:10is the key for so many
05:12bench players in the W.
05:13So true.
05:14Stay ready,
05:14so you don't have to get ready
05:15because your number
05:16will be called.
05:18Morrell draws two,
05:19dumps it off to Hamby.
05:20Hamby, one dribble,
05:21gather, can't connect.
05:22Mitchell, another rebound.
05:23She's pushing the pace.
05:26Retreats.
05:26Step back three.
05:27It's good.
05:28Kelsey Mitchell with a big one.
05:32She's so much fun to watch,
05:34especially in transition.
05:37Fever now two for three
05:38from beyond the arc.
05:39Morrell to try and silence
05:40the crowd.
05:41No good.
05:42Hamby right there.
05:43Offensive rebound puts it in.
05:45Looks like Indiana may be
05:46looking to blitz certain
05:47players off of actions
05:49along the perimeter.
05:50And they were out of position
05:51there to defensive rebound.
05:52Boston will take it
05:53straight into the post.
05:54Sees two.
05:54Flips it over.
05:55For a hole.
05:56Corner three.
05:57Off target.
05:57Into the hands of Boston.
05:59Power dribble.
06:00Boston lowers the shoulder
06:01and kisses it off the window.
06:05Ty Harris told us it was important
06:07to establish AB's presence
06:09inside early in this first quarter.
06:11They've done so.
06:13Hamby will pick up the dribble.
06:15Flips it over to Wheeler.
06:18Hamby trying to set the screen for Wheeler.
06:19This time gets it off the roll.
06:21Hamby too strong in the lay-in.
06:22Billings up ahead to Harris.
06:25Billings running the floor.
06:26Look at her go.
06:27The hustle rewarded.
06:28She lays it in for two.
06:31Oh Billings never stops moving.
06:34A great rim runner.
06:35And you can tell they are looking
06:36to find her on that action.
06:39Fever six of nine from the floor.
06:41Burrell a little scoop shot.
06:43That one does drop for her.
06:44How about the use of the back door cut.
06:46Was being overplayed along the perimeter
06:48and found success on the baseline.
06:51Lot of action available in the corners
06:52for the Sparks as Billings can't chase the pass.
06:55That'll be a turnover.
06:56Sparks ball.
06:58Not the worst turnover you can commit.
07:00The Sparks are a team that likes to get out
07:01in transition.
07:02So this is a dead ball turnover.
07:05We mentioned the Fever 17 and 15
07:07without Kaitlin Clark.
07:08And listen Lynn Roberts said
07:09they're clearly a much better team with her.
07:12They're not scoring quite as much.
07:13The field goal percentage right around the same.
07:15But listen Ty Harris and Monique Billings
07:18both said the gravity that Kaitlin Clark brings
07:20obviously will be missed as Burrell can't get it.
07:23Atkins trying to follow.
07:25Too strong on her fade away.
07:30Billings quick catch.
07:31Take to the cup.
07:32Aggressive take.
07:33Can't get it.
07:34Boston there once again.
07:37We've seen a couple layups missed on both sides.
07:39But Boston there on the cleanup crew.
07:41Seven rebounds already for Indiana.
07:44That's four second chance points.
07:45Wheeler dumps it off.
07:47Atkins another beautiful back door cut.
07:49You talked about Indiana's pressure along the perimeter.
07:53But what is open is the paint and the baseline to attack.
07:56Oh what a five from Mitchell to Billings.
07:59The one two connection.
08:03Those are the type of plays where it's just clean basketball.
08:06Spacing and timing are clicking.
08:09Atkins.
08:10Pop a shot.
08:11No good.
08:11Harris to board.
08:14Indiana with five assists on eight field goals already.
08:18It's important that they can stay true to their DNA.
08:21Even without Clark on the floor.
08:23Harris checked by Atkins.
08:26Eight to shoot.
08:27Boston.
08:27Extended block.
08:28Agumake defending her.
08:29Boston whirling twirling.
08:31Lost the handle.
08:31Hamby scoops it up.
08:33Two on one opportunity for the Sparks.
08:34Wheeler up ahead.
08:35What a connection to Hamby.
08:37And she is able to get the easy two.
08:39You know D'Erika Hamby is going to run the floor every single time.
08:44Great decision from E-Will.
08:46The Sparks also sharing the sugar.
08:48They've got four assists on six field goals.
08:50A team that is six and two.
08:52And they have 20 plus assists.
08:55Mitchell.
08:56Hips it over to Billings.
08:58Shot clock is now at four.
08:59Harris has to hurry.
09:00Harris with the left hand.
09:01She's tripped up.
09:02So Harris again will go to the free throw line.
09:04And she's had a terrific first quarter.
09:07She's been aggressive.
09:09And that also is the fever.
09:11Get into the basket.
09:12Situations and the plays.
09:13And we had a conversation with Monique Billings about the players that understand that spotlight and gravity.
09:18And she had a great slogan.
09:19Mo is such a veteran.
09:21So mature.
09:22She said it can be heavy if you allow it.
09:24She said but the key is sometimes you just got to log off.
09:26Take your time.
09:27Take your space.
09:28Make sure that you set boundaries.
09:30So that you can come back and approach the game with like a fresh perspective.
09:33And I just thought that was such a veteran mindset to have.
09:37And they have looked so composed out the gate as well too.
09:40We mentioned five assists, eight made field goals as Mikayla Timpson checking in.
09:45And the lay-in for Burrell.
09:47She's got two buckets now.
09:48Man, that was almost like all the way around the world action.
09:51Just came off the curl and kept getting to the rim.
09:54Sophie Cunningham also in for the fever.
09:57And Ji-hun Park checking in for the Sparks.
10:00Number six defending Harris.
10:04Six to shoot.
10:05Boston looking for Mitchell on the handoff.
10:07Mitchell finally circles around tied up by two defenders.
10:10Shovels a pass to Harris.
10:11Harris for three.
10:12No good in and out at Kumake the rebound.
10:15And that's the shot that you want if you're the Sparks.
10:18You want to stop Kelsey Mitchell from scoring.
10:20Force her to be a facilitator.
10:22Burrell who's averaged over 18 points a game the last five.
10:26It's been a key point of the Sparks offense.
10:28Wheeler looking to get a screen.
10:30She faints it.
10:31And then three in the key called against the Indiana Fever.
10:35And that will be one free throw coming up here for the Sparks.
10:39We'll hit every highlight with CBS Sports HQ streaming free 24-7.
10:43Download the CBS Sports app to watch today.
10:47You see Sophie Cunningham having a conversation with Michaela Timpson
10:51telling her that she's got to step out of the paint as Agumake hits the free throw.
10:54And both coaching staffs realize they've got to be better defensively.
10:58Well, especially if you're Timpson, you've got both Hamby and Agumake on the floor
11:03who operate and do their damage in the paint.
11:06And so it challenges the defense as well to be on the rotations.
11:10The rookie Raven Johnson checking in for Indiana as well as rookie Laura Ziegler.
11:15And then Kiana Williams in her fifth year coming in for the Sparks.
11:21Mark up top.
11:22Shot clock winding down.
11:23Agumake.
11:24I don't know if she realizes it.
11:25She's got to try and beat it.
11:26She won't.
11:27And a stop for the Fever.
11:29A good defensive possession.
11:31You can hear the communications courtside, the direction everyone was giving
11:35and just trying to be on the same page.
11:37And I also like this as a defensive lineup as well.
11:40Timpson brings some athleticism and size.
11:42We know Raven Johnson is a rookie that takes pride in her defense.
11:47And a lot of the younger players that come in,
11:49we mentioned Ziegler stepping onto the floor,
11:51have talked about answering the call defensively,
11:54knowing their assignments,
11:55and being able to set the tone when they come off the bench.
11:58Johnson, who had a season-high seven assists in their last game,
12:01and then we have a whistle off-ball.
12:06Got a clarification on this.
12:11Offensive foul against Kelsey Mitchell,
12:13so that will give the ball back to the Sparks.
12:15Burrell will come out.
12:16Atkins back on the floor.
12:20We've talked about the emphasis on freedom of movement.
12:23That goes both ways off-ball.
12:26Ziegler the handoff to Park.
12:29Park pushed well beyond the arc at this moment.
12:32Trying to get another screen from Ziegler.
12:33Leaves a pass.
12:34Ziegler sets her feet short on that one.
12:37One of those ones,
12:38maybe she should have taken another dribble towards the cup.
12:41Kelsey Mitchell will take plenty of dribbles
12:43to get to the rim on the other end.
12:45If you sulk after a bad shot against the Fever,
12:49they are going to make you pay.
12:51They are going to get down the floor faster than you can blink.
12:53Guma Kay, the jumper, beautiful dish from Park.
12:56Yeah, they could go to that any time,
12:58especially if Boston that's guarding her
13:01is in a little bit more of a drop coverage.
13:02She can hit that short roll at a high clip.
13:05Mitchell, dime, down low.
13:07Timpson cutting.
13:08She is fouled by Atkins.
13:11So, Ariel Atkins will pick up her second foul of the game.
13:17So much attention Kelsey Mitchell draws,
13:20whether it's off the bounce or she's off-ball
13:23and teams are wondering where she is.
13:25Almost three defenders kind of collapsing in that area
13:29and then Timpson able to go back door.
13:32And Timpson doing a really nice job.
13:34You often times talk about player movement
13:36when your defender leaves an area to go help.
13:39What do you want to see from that offensive player?
13:41And movement, right?
13:42And movement with purpose.
13:43I feel like that's been a theme in talking to W head coaches this season
13:47is knowing when to cut, how to cut,
13:49not just cutting because you're trying to get out of a space,
13:52but the most dangerous space on the floor is a space that was just occupied
13:56and is now open for you to attack.
13:58And that's what Timpson did on that baseline attack.
14:01Timpson splits a pair.
14:02She didn't play in their last game against Phoenix.
14:04So, how about the contributions from players
14:06that really haven't seen much or done much in the last couple of games
14:09for both these squads?
14:10Park to Akumake.
14:12Park on the outside.
14:13She'll try a triple.
14:15Oh, it is pure.
14:16And she cuts the lead to two.
14:19A little pick-and-pop action there from Park.
14:22Good-looking shot.
14:23Geon Park had a season-high of 13 points against Minnesota
14:27earlier this season.
14:30Boston twirling against Akumake.
14:32The help comes over late from Siegler.
14:34That'll be a foul against her,
14:35and Boston head to the free-throw line.
14:37I was waiting to see if the double was going to come this early in the game,
14:41but here just a little pick-and-pop.
14:43See how much space Boston is giving Park?
14:46So, she knocks it down, and then the drop step here
14:49because she sees that the help is late,
14:50and Siegler has to be there a second earlier.
14:52Otherwise, you're beat by that time.
14:54I was just going to say the same thing.
14:56Agumake, the vet, you saw how quickly she shaded
14:59to the right shoulder of Boston.
15:01It's just all the players being on the same page defensively
15:03with their timing and rotations.
15:05Something that the Sparks are looking to improve.
15:08We talked about it off-air,
15:09but I just feel like they need more of a head on a swivel, right?
15:12Where all five players that are playing defense have head on a swivel.
15:15They see their player, the ball, but also other action around them
15:18to be able to defend.
15:20Boston up to eight points now,
15:22and Indiana continues their hot shooting from the floor.
15:26As we mentioned, 64%.
15:29Hamby reverses it.
15:30Siegler, and off to Park.
15:33Park baseline drive.
15:34Baseline jumper off the back of the heel.
15:40Aliah Boston off to a sensational start.
15:43Eight rebounds, excuse me, eight points, four rebounds,
15:46and then a collision there.
15:48And that foul is against Aliah Boston, so another turnover for Indiana.
15:53Ash is looking to initiate offense here, gives the pitch,
15:57and then is definitely still moving into Atkins as she goes under.
16:01It's so hard with those dribble handoffs,
16:03the timing between the guard and the big on that mesh often times.
16:08Under a minute left here in the first quarter.
16:11Chance Gray getting her first run.
16:13Tries to deliver a pass.
16:14Loose ball.
16:15Hamby scoops it up.
16:16Hamby, the lock by Boston, down low.
16:18Timpson claims it.
16:22Johnson, known to push the pace when she's in the game,
16:24will slow it down.
16:25Cunningham coming off the handoff.
16:27A near foul again on Boston.
16:31Boston, with Hamby checking, will back her down.
16:34Boston, couple more power dribbles.
16:36Cross-court fine.
16:37Cunningham, up top.
16:38Shot clock, dwindling.
16:39Cunningham, floats it with the left, no good.
16:41Stopped by the Sparks.
16:42Park.
16:44Shot clock and game clock, just one second of separation.
16:50Ziegler, backdoor cut to Gray, and Gray cannot finish.
16:53And that's going to give Indiana one more chance.
16:56Timpson trying to outrun the defense.
16:58Ziegler doesn't tie her up.
16:59Fouls her instead on the floor.
17:01It'll be Indiana ball with 8.8 remaining.
17:04I know the Sparks would love to have that last layup back.
17:08Really good action, though, between young players,
17:10rookies that are having to figure it out.
17:12Lynn Roberts told us today that she's going to have to use her bench.
17:15Her young players, the rookie at Chance Gray and Ziegler,
17:18they're going to have to play minutes.
17:20And that's a way, hey, get the first one out of there.
17:22You miss it, make the next one.
17:23The second foul on Ziegler as Timpson hits the first free throw.
17:27We talked about how would the ball move without Kelsey Plum
17:30and Kaitlyn Clark, the two leading assisters on each team.
17:34Well, so far, Los Angeles with seven assists,
17:37and Indiana with five here in the first quarter.
17:40Feels like the ball is just moving at such a good pace for both teams.
17:43Eight seconds left.
17:45The Sparks have had a lot of success with backdoor cuts.
17:47Williams, her three, gets it off in time.
17:50No good.
17:51Boston, one more rebound.
17:52Her fifth of the quarter, and that'll do it.
17:56Indiana, 27 to 21 advantage.
17:58The Fever shoots 60% from the field.
18:01They out-rebound the Sparks 13 to six.
18:04Only has gotten the free throw line just once,
18:06and so I feel like the aggression, the getting downhill,
18:08making free throws, and then the ball movement has looked really good.
18:12The Sparks have had their opportunities.
18:14They have missed about three to four bunnies.
18:16They have seven assists.
18:18They could very easily have about ten assists
18:19if they just converted some of those lands.
18:21Yeah, I mean, they've also got eight more shots
18:23in that first quarter than the Fever.
18:25So on the stat sheet, you're doing the right things.
18:27Like you said, you've got to finish.
18:29And a collision as Burrell is helped up.
18:34It's a foul on Kelsey Mitchell.
18:37Kelsey Mitchell will pick up her second foul now.
18:40And that is scary.
18:42Kelsey Mitchell is definitely a seasoned vet
18:44and I believe can play through foul trouble,
18:46but this early in the contest, not sure.
18:49And they get her for kind of jumping in
18:51and then making that contact to the face of Burrell on the pass.
18:56Williams goes coast to coast
18:58and just slices through the Fever defense.
19:01Hey, that's how you keep the defense honest, right?
19:03Sometimes you don't need to play.
19:04Well, you just got to challenge your defender one-on-one to guard you.
19:07Love that take for Williams.
19:08Harris, the response on the other end.
19:10She's got a season high already with nine points.
19:14Whatever you can do, I can do it too.
19:19What a start for Ty Harris.
19:20I mean, this is so important.
19:21Your point guard out, sometimes chemistry and rhythm aren't there,
19:25but Ty Harris just feels like a well-oiled machine with this team right now
19:29and the way that she's also scoring and facilitating.
19:31Myesha Hines Allen will rumble her way,
19:34but it's Billings there to clean it up again.
19:37You cannot forget to box out Moe Billings.
19:39She is going to crash every single time.
19:42More easy scoring opportunities for the Fever.
19:44Six second chance points in this one.
19:46Agumike, corner three, in and out.
19:48Burrell trying to come in, somehow got her hands on that rebound.
19:52Amongst three defenders from the Fever,
19:54Hamby up top, her triple no good.
19:57Sparks now two of seven from outside.
20:04Cunningham will initiate the offense this time.
20:06Hines Allen, the handoff to Harris who has had the hot hand for the Fever.
20:12Hines Allen at the free throw line, checked by Hamby.
20:15Backdoor cut to Mitchell, and the foul.
20:18Look at the execution for the Fever.
20:22And Kelsey Mitchell, such a threat when she has the ball,
20:25but also when she does not.
20:28Ty Harris gets downhill.
20:30Paint is open, and she finishes here.
20:32And then, watch Kelsey Mitchell, just a change of pace.
20:35Catches Ray Burrell sleeping just enough for her to find an advantage and score.
20:40Mitchell and Boston have combined for 15 points on six of six shooting,
20:47leading the charge in the absence of Kaitlin Clark.
20:50It's almost like what we said in the open is happening.
20:53Whoa.
20:55Largest lead of the game now for the Fever.
20:57It has quickly ballooned to 11.
21:00Sparks need to just start converting some buckets here.
21:03They do, and you get it down to the future Hall of Famer.
21:05That high-low game between Hamby and Ogumike is so good.
21:09And Hamby, again, her passing really picked up this season.
21:12She has four assists already in this game.
21:15Average is three in the absence of Kelsey Plum.
21:18She has been serving it on a platter so far in the first half.
21:21Backdoor cut to Cunningham.
21:22That's deflected off the hands of Burrell.
21:25Eight to shoot for the Fever.
21:27Going back to your point about Hamby,
21:28it feels like if she's in a screen and she short rolls,
21:31they give it to her around the nail and she's just spraying,
21:34looking for action side by side.
21:36Those are the four assists.
21:37Cunningham, the catch, the connection,
21:40and the finish as she's fouled.
21:46The Sparks just fouling on a lot of shots at the rim here so far.
21:50And giving up too many and ones.
21:52Cunningham already had the step.
21:54A nice tough finish.
21:57You know she's bringing a spark off the bench.
22:00So Cunningham, who in their last game had just five points.
22:04She completes the three-point play.
22:06That's the third three-point play of the first half for Indiana.
22:08And they've already hit nine free throws in this game.
22:12Yeah, Sparks just feel like they're beating themselves a little bit right now.
22:15Missing layups and then committing fouls and giving up and once.
22:20Billings with the foul near midcourt.
22:22A little too physical there.
22:23And for Indiana, again, they're comfortable without Kaitlyn Clark.
22:28Clearly you prefer to have her on the floor, of course.
22:30But this team can switch the way they play offense when she's not out there.
22:34And they look very fluid thus far.
22:36And it's also a unit that played the majority of their season last season without Kaitlyn Clark.
22:40As the defense from Billings is exceptional.
22:43Harris scoops a pass up ahead to Cunningham.
22:45Hines Allen charges towards the cup.
22:48Goes high off the glass.
22:5014-point lead for Indiana.
22:53They're starting to get into a fever here in Cambridge Fieldhouse.
22:57Tyrese Halliburton loves it.
22:59What more could you ask for?
23:01Happened in the last few years in particular, especially here in Indiana, has been really incredible.
23:05So it's just an honor to be here tonight.
23:07It really has been incredible.
23:08When you look at the star power in this league and the fact that it continues to expand,
23:12what are you most excited for when it comes to the future of the game?
23:15Well, I think the women's game has very much arrived.
23:18And if you look at all of the key indicators for the WNBA, the expansion that's on the horizon,
23:24and that's in motion, the television coverage and the future of that.
23:29And then, of course, having this incredible new relationship with the players, with the new CBA.
23:35Everything seems to be going right for the league right now.
23:37And then, you know, you see the product on the floor and see what this great group of players is
23:41doing to energize fans.
23:43I don't think you can ask for much more.
23:44You definitely can. A lot to be excited about, Val.
23:47Thank you so much.
23:48Jordan?
23:48Yeah, thank you, Tiffany.
23:49And Erica Wheeler hitting a jumper in the last possession for the Sparks to stop a 12-2 run.
23:54That is sent out of here.
23:56Hines Allen all over it.
23:58And she starts to reinforce that defensive baseline.
24:01She is a presence off the bench.
24:03Likes to play with physicality and completely just read this.
24:07Atkins went backdoor, which was the right play.
24:09And Hines Allen there to cover up her teammate.
24:1415 to shoot for the Sparks.
24:16Their starting lineup currently back on the floor.
24:19Pocket pass inside to Wheeler.
24:21Kicks it out.
24:21Agumike.
24:22Over to Wheeler.
24:25Inside Agumike.
24:26Prime real estate.
24:27Turn around.
24:28Too strong.
24:29Offensive rebound careens into her hands.
24:31She'll wrestle to the floor with Ty Harris.
24:35Agumike can make that shot at a high clip.
24:38And something I feel the Sparks need to continue to do is to attack the offensive glass.
24:42If you allow the Beaver just to rebound and run, they're going to run the score up.
24:47You must attack the offensive glass to stop their transition.
24:50That's the first line of defense versus an exceptional transition offense team.
24:54They're getting out.
24:55Rebounded 17 to 8 at the moment.
24:57And Harris didn't even make an attempt to jump right there as Agumike just reached up and plucked it from
25:03the tree.
25:04And sometimes you just got to acknowledge a mismatch.
25:08You know, we'll just play defense 5-on-5 here.
25:11Just give me a try right there.
25:14That's fantastic.
25:17Sparks Ball.
25:17Wheeler on the side.
25:1814 to shoot to clear things up here.
25:20Hamby is 2 for 7.
25:22We'll dump it off.
25:24Cunningham going to be whistled for the foul as she got her hand caught in the cookie jar.
25:28That's a tough one because I thought Sophie Cunningham read that perfectly defensively.
25:33Knew Agumike was curling and beat her to the spot.
25:36Watch her get to the spot.
25:37But it's the chomping down on the arms that come down is where she commits the foul.
25:44Hamby with those 4 assists as we mentioned.
25:47Spreading it well.
25:47But this time a deflection from Hines Allen.
25:49And then shoves Wheeler.
25:52The foul's on the floor.
25:54And that's going to go against Wheeler.
25:56So that was one of those situations where Wheeler initiated the contact first.
26:01Oh, Hines Allen.
26:02Look at the defense.
26:03Trying to get it to Agumike.
26:05Gets the deflection.
26:06And then Wheeler certainly tries to cut her off.
26:10Hines Allen.
26:11A bit too big to even feel that.
26:13Just bumps right off.
26:14And Hines Allen.
26:15Her activity has completely reshaped the way that people are playing defense here in the second quarter.
26:19I mean, Aaliyah Boston started off so strong.
26:21And she's giving her a blow.
26:22And then maintaining the intensity on both ends of the floor.
26:25Johnson whips it over to Boston.
26:28Boston titter-patter dribble.
26:30Back to Johnson.
26:30Oh, Park ran it perfectly.
26:32Look at her galloping down the other end of the floor.
26:34Hull comes through.
26:35And Park with the lay-in for 2.
26:37I thought Lexi Hull was going to catch up to that.
26:39But what a defensive possession from Park.
26:42You tapped me about 17 times.
26:44That back break.
26:45Boston rattles in a 3.
26:47That has been her calling card this season.
26:5019 threes this year.
26:51More than the last three combined.
26:53Hamby back on the other end.
26:54Oh, Hamby just working so smart.
26:57Catches Boston over the top and is probably going to get a delay of game for that.
27:03But Boston here left wide open.
27:06And if she can catch with her two feet set and wind it up, that is as good as money.
27:12She has really worked on her three-point shooting this season.
27:15Yeah, we talked to her earlier in the season.
27:16And it was about releasing it as soon as possible and just stepping in and not thinking too much when
27:22she gets those opportunities.
27:24Harris back out to Boston.
27:25It's Billings down low.
27:27Defended by Agumake.
27:28Charges baseline.
27:29Strong move.
27:30Can't finish.
27:31Agumake will run the break.
27:33Surrounded by five members of the Fever and they're going to call her for a carry in transition.
27:40Well, let's take a look at the upcoming WNBA national TV schedule.
27:43We've got a doubleheader on CBS tomorrow.
27:46Minnesota at Dallas and then Las Vegas at Chicago.
27:49In the nightcap it's New York at Golden State on ESPN.
27:52And then Tuesday we've got our Commissioner's Cup Championship.
27:55Las Vegas at New York.
27:57For more on these games, please go to WNBA.com or visit the WNBA app.
28:03Commissioner's Cup.
28:04It's going to be a good one.
28:07Aces and Liberty have won that each in the last couple of years.
28:10Oh, the reversal.
28:11Can't get it.
28:12Park will bring it down.
28:14Opportunity here for the Sparks to make it single-digit deficit.
28:17Wheeler no good from the outside.
28:19Side hole.
28:20Hurries over for the rebound.
28:24Johnson off the handoff.
28:26Hands poking at the ball.
28:27Somehow saves it and keeps it alive.
28:29Collision near the sideline.
28:32They're going to rule that a foul on Atkins.
28:35And Atkins picking up her third personal.
28:39This has been the Achilles heel of the Sparks.
28:42Especially in their losses.
28:43Just committing so many fouls.
28:46Giving teams opportunities at the free throw line.
28:48But especially putting their better players in foul trouble early.
28:52And Atkins, someone that you need on the floor to try and guard.
28:56Johnson.
28:57Mitchell.
28:58Hull.
28:59Cunningham.
29:00Cannot do it though with three early ones.
29:02Number zero.
29:03Tenaya Latson checking in for the first time for the Sparks.
29:06As Kelsey Mitchell returns to the floor for the Fever.
29:09Emma Cannon.
29:10Number 32 for the Sparks.
29:12Also getting her first run.
29:13And picking up her first foul.
29:14Right on point.
29:15That's the tenth foul of this game already for the Sparks.
29:18I know they want to play with a high level of physicality on the road.
29:22Especially against a Fever team that's going to try to wedge you in underneath.
29:26And really post up.
29:27But got to be able to be disciplined defensively.
29:30Can you guard without fouls?
29:34So Boston will go to the line.
29:35Indiana in the bonus.
29:37Boston sitting at 11 points.
29:39Five rebounds.
29:39Make it a dozen.
29:40Well coming up on the Deloitte Halftime Report.
29:43Jenny Dell, Renee Montgomery, and Lisa Leslie are standing by in our New York studio.
29:47To bring you their insights on our first half.
29:49And catch you up on all the latest news in the WNBA.
29:51That's all coming up on the Deloitte Halftime Report.
29:54A trio of your good friends in the studio.
29:57And I know you text with them throughout the game.
29:58So what's the time?
30:00The most amazing people.
30:01We have the best studio coverage.
30:06Foul on the handoff.
30:07That'll go against Johnson.
30:10And listen, it's been a tighter whistle to start off in this first half.
30:13And you know this is a player.
30:14Often times you get a sense of how this game is being officiated.
30:17Then you adjust according to that.
30:19And it's on the players to adjust.
30:21Absolutely.
30:23The whistle's been consistent.
30:24However, Indiana with 12 more free throw attempts than the Sparks.
30:29Wheeler will use the Hamby screen.
30:31Flips it over.
30:32Park sets her feet.
30:33Let's it fly.
30:34No good.
30:35Boston rebound number six.
30:38Boston, she can run the break.
30:42Gets it to Mitchell.
30:43Mitchell rise.
30:44Fire.
30:45No good.
30:45Board to Cannon.
30:50Latson in and out dribble.
30:52Will initiate the Sparks set here.
30:56Wheeler draws two.
30:58Cannon.
30:59No hesitation.
31:00The three off target.
31:02Up ahead, it's Billings that gets behind the secondary.
31:05A pirouette catch.
31:07And able to drop it in.
31:10Every single time, Moe Billings is going to run the floor in Indiana.
31:17Largest lead of the game for the Fever.
31:19It's at 15 with under four minutes left here in the first half.
31:23Sparks have just not been able to connect from outside.
31:26Two of ten from beyond.
31:27They are.
31:27Billings gets a hand on it.
31:29Latson scoops it up.
31:30Shot clock winding down.
31:31Latson has to do something with it.
31:33Tough jumper well defended by the Fever.
31:36He asked me that's three possessions in a row in which the Sparks haven't gotten the offensive
31:40look they want.
31:41Fever plus down the glass.
31:43Oh!
31:43Johnson left her in the dust and scoops it in.
31:47All Indiana here in the first half.
31:50They lead by 17.
31:52And it is by committee.
31:55The entire roster getting in the game and making a play, making a difference.
32:00Huge lead for the Fever.
32:02We'll be right back.
32:05Lark that are just starting to build it.
32:08A team last year that made it to game five of the semifinals in the WNBA run to a championship.
32:15You feel like in the next two to three years they could be a team that is starting to build
32:21a championship level.
32:23But right now it's about consistency.
32:24They've had games this season where they have been up and then have not maintained lead.
32:29So can they continue to put their foot in the gas?
32:31As Kelsey Mills will put it to me.
32:32Can they continue to punch and punch again?
32:34Let's check in with Tiffany Blackman as the Fever get another stop.
32:38She was in their huddle.
32:39Well, as I just said, they need to continue to punch.
32:42And that's what Coach Stephanie White talked to us about.
32:44About this team really establishing that energy as one of the biggest things.
32:47And guys, I just came away from their huddle.
32:49And Coach White was telling this team that's great choice word defense.
32:53So she's happy with the effort tonight from that group as you guys can see with the transition game.
32:58I'm sure there's just a handful of words to choose from with that choice word.
33:03But either way, the fire that the Fever have come out with as the sparks able to force the turnover.
33:08It's a great response to the loss against Phoenix.
33:11And we mentioned a lot of the noise around this program all week long.
33:15You just get back to playing ball and playing at a high level.
33:18And this part of the season, you want to know what your identity is
33:21and be able to win through your identity.
33:24They haven't dropped a beat without Clark on the floor.
33:27Sparks just need to drop a shot scoreless for over the last three minutes.
33:31A foul against Boston as Burrell was taking it.
33:34Boston wants a review.
33:35We'll see if they challenge it.
33:37But defense has really been the key for them.
33:39In their wins, they're holding opponents to just a measly 80.7 points per game in their losses.
33:44Over 100 points per game.
33:46They've had four games where they've scored 100 points and still lost the game.
33:51Challenge on the floor.
33:52Indiana wants to take another look at it.
33:54I felt like Burrell faded as the layup came probably because a shot blocker came her way.
33:58There's no illegal defensive contact on the play.
34:01Therefore, the call on the floor will be overturned to a no call.
34:04In the immediate aftermath of the play, the ball lands on Burrell out of bounds.
34:07Therefore, the ball will be put back into play as Indiana ball.
34:11Indiana rotating their timeout and their ability to challenge once more.
34:14Thank you.
34:15Ice, I think you're perfect on challenges this season.
34:17And what a reversal for the fever.
34:19You can't have it go much better than that.
34:22That's a good call.
34:23I mean, Aaliyah Boston knew right away.
34:24She said, no, no, no, no, no, no.
34:26Let's take a look at that.
34:27But also, she has two personal fouls.
34:30And this game, not out of touch at all.
34:32Still some time left in the first half.
34:34So that's an important call.
34:36Good job by the coaching staff.
34:37She has three blocks, though.
34:39And look at what this defense has done.
34:42Holding the sparks to just 36% shooting so far.
34:46Boston gets the screen from Mitchell.
34:48And Wheeler is knocked to the floor.
34:51Mitchell's able to drain the three.
34:53But Wheeler quickly tended to from her teammates.
34:56And they're doing the baseline count.
34:58Nobody's called a timeout yet.
34:59But they're going to stop play as Wheeler very shooken up.
35:04Right beyond the three-point line.
35:06And here it is.
35:08Oof.
35:08Hamby just some friendly fire catches Wheeler right across the forehead.
35:13Especially with the forearm, too.
35:15You've got a lot of bone on that teammate checking on her.
35:20Certainly hope you can return to this ballgame.
35:22But got to be careful, especially with contact above the shoulders.
35:27It's a tough blow for the Sparks.
35:29No Kelsey Plum.
35:30No Erica Wheeler for the moment.
35:32We'll try to give you an update on her status.
35:33So you imagine the point guard duties will fall into the hands of Jihan Park now.
35:39And I think Keanu Williams as well will maybe share a little bit of that load.
35:44Agumike.
35:45Left-hand drive into the paint.
35:47Agumike fading away.
35:48And a much-needed field goal for the Sparks that are able to snap a drought.
35:52Seen her make this bucket so many times over her career.
35:56Nice little fade away.
35:57Under two minutes left here in the first half.
36:00Eighteen point lead here for the Fever.
36:02Boston, a couple of dribbles.
36:04Makes it look so easy.
36:06Boston!
36:08G went right at the chest of Hamby.
36:10Just initiated that contact with a little bump and bounced face to finish.
36:15What a half for Boston.
36:16Fifteen points, seven rebounds.
36:18Fever shooting 59% from the field.
36:21Also, Boston perfect from the field, teammate.
36:23Five of five.
36:24Trying to pull a Camila Cardoso tonight here.
36:27Burrell, acrobatic take.
36:29She's fouled in midair and free throw's coming.
36:32Something about playing without Kelsey Plum right now for the Sparks.
36:37And it's just tough, right?
36:38I mean, she scores the basketball.
36:41She facilitates.
36:42She generates better looks for her teammates overall.
36:45So it's tough to not have such a force like Plum on the floor.
36:50Plum, the second leading scorer in the W and top ten in assists.
36:54We saw her dynamite performance on the road at Las Vegas earlier this season
36:58and can single-handedly take over games.
37:00But there's players like Ray Burrell that want to continue to keep their hot streak going.
37:04She's at six points now.
37:06We mentioned averaging 18 over the last five.
37:08That's unfortunate because it feels like the Sparks, which they have statistically,
37:12have gotten more shots in this half.
37:14They are just not making some of the looks they normally do.
37:17They have eight more shots in the Fever.
37:18The Fever have four more makes and eight more makes from the free throw line.
37:23That's the difference.
37:24Boston bullying the opposition.
37:27She is fouled by Hamby.
37:28The Sparks have zero answer for Aaliyah Boston right now.
37:32We saw a little bit of a double action on her earlier in the game,
37:37but it wasn't for long and it feels like they aren't committed to going back to it.
37:41Hamby trying to hold her own.
37:43But Aaliyah Boston is being aggressive.
37:45She's being assertive and she's creating the contact first to put the defender on their heels.
37:50And regardless of where she catches it, she's able to simply get to the paint.
37:54The BET Awards 2026 are tomorrow.
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38:11Boston perfect from the field, perfect from the free throw line.
38:14Six of six there, 17 points, seven rebounds.
38:18A game's worth of production in the first half.
38:23Burrell has a little bit of daylight.
38:25We'll flip it over to Williams and it's a babble for positioning
38:28as Timpson will be calling for the foul against Hamby.
38:31It felt like the Sparks were a little more deliberate in that half-court offense
38:36and making sure they got a little bit of reversal and then found Hamby inside ceiling.
38:40Well, a lot of their best action has come from Hamby
38:42in either the high post or the low post catching the ball
38:45because she has so many different ways she can threaten the defense.
38:48I mean, her tall, because she's so tall, she can see over the defense.
38:52So that's where we see those assist numbers come in.
38:55I mean, a 12-year veteran as well.
38:58She knows how to pick apart defenses.
38:59But I tell you what, it feels like she's missing Kelsey Plum out there.
39:03Just the activity that Normie Kelsey brings, the gravity at which you have to guard Plum
39:08that sometimes leaves Hamby open a little bit more.
39:11So she's having to do a lot of that work with maybe without the advantages being created.
39:15Hamby averaging 14 points a game this season.
39:18Was averaging around 17 points a game in May.
39:21Production dipped a little bit in June,
39:22but you mentioned that's when Kelsey Plum started missing most of her time.
39:26Harris up top, as we mentioned.
39:28New season high for her with nine points already.
39:31Forty seconds left here in the first half.
39:32Four on the shot clock.
39:34Johnson, the rookie, will line up the three.
39:36Careens off the backboard.
39:39Now, Guimacay will slow things down.
39:42The seasoned vet will usher it down the floor into the hands of William.
39:46Call it a ten-second differential between shot and game clock.
39:50Agumake, Hamby down low, deflected by Timpson.
39:53Here comes Johnson.
39:54Williams tries to poke at it.
39:55Cunningham running the lane.
39:57Cunningham will dribble it out, and Indiana can hold for the final shot of the first half.
40:00Marked decision by Cunningham.
40:04Harris challenging Burrell, and Burrell's going to pick up her third foul.
40:08She can't believe it, and Harris will go to the free-throw line.
40:11It's just not worth it there.
40:13You know, especially on the rip-through as a guard.
40:15You know if you're too close and you're a seasoned guard, you're going to break through that contact,
40:19so you can call the whistle.
40:21This is easy, guys.
40:22Anyone knows that one hand up, I'm going to attack that side and create contact.
40:27And I understand the frustration from Burrell, because she's probably thinking,
40:31I didn't change her balance, rhythm, or strength, but she certainly made illegal contact.
40:36It's that point-of-attack defense we hear so many coaches talk about.
40:40Not only are you trying to be aggressive, you have to be smart at that point,
40:43and Ty Harris, as we mentioned, veteran experience, has played a lot of basketball,
40:49knows how to capitalize on it.
40:50She's the third Fever player in double figures in the first half.
40:527.4 left.
40:54Williams, back to Hamby.
40:55Hamby has to hurry.
40:57Hamby crossover dribble.
40:58Two on the clock.
40:59Hamby puts it up, trying to beat the horn.
41:01No good.
41:02Boston with another rebound.
41:04It's just a stellar first half of basketball for the Fever.
41:07They hang 57 points.
41:09They shoot 57% from the field, and they have got a sizable 20-point lead.
41:15See inadvertently get hit in the face by our team.
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