The Indiana Fever returned home Saturday night to take on the Chicago Sky, following a road trip that saw a five-game winning streak snapped with a two-game losing streak.

One of the two losses saw a 35-point loss in Phoenix, so the Fever weren’t just looking to rebound, they were looking to make a statement.

With Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson all out with significant injuries, the Fever were able to utilize the deep roster they signed in the offseason as well as new Forward Chloe Bibby to counter a Chicago team that also saw a high number of starters out with injury.

The game was tight for most of the first half, with both teams almost identical in rebounds, shooting percentage, three-point percentage, free throws, steals and assists.

The Fever came up with multiple key blocks and steals while the Sky countered with key three-pointers until late in the 2nd quarter when the Fever started pulling away for an 11-point lead going into the break.

The second half saw the Fever take full advantage of the adrenaline and momentum in the arena, pulling away quickly and growing the lead to over 20 points. It was like watching a predator circling their prey and pouncing when the time is just right, as the Fever walked away with 22-point victory.

The Fever return to action again on Tuesday night when they face Dallas at home, with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off time, followed by a showdown with the Mystics next Friday to wrap up a three-game homestand that could see the Fever take the lead in the Eastern Conference if Atlanta and New York lose their next few games.

-Reggie Edwards