Top Plays of July 27, 2025 – Fever vs. Sky Highlights and Sophie Cunningham’s Unexpected Moment

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the Indiana Fever squared off against the Chicago Sky at the United Center in a marquee matchup. The game was notable not only for the absence of two marquee names — Caitlin Clark for Indiana and Angel Reese for Chicago — but also for a dominant performance by Kelsey Mitchell and a bizarre sideline moment involving Sophie Cunningham and a cameraman.

Game Context: Stars Out, Opportunity Up

Both teams entered the game without their biggest draw cards. Caitlin Clark sat out her fourth straight game due to a persistent groin injury, marking only her 13th overall appearance of the season thus far New York Post+8The Sun+8New York Post+8Sportskeeda+11ESPN.com+11The Washington Post+11. Angel Reese also missed her second consecutive game with a back issue, forcing Chicago Sky to reshape their rotation ESPN.comSwish Appeal.

Despite these absences, the matchup retained intrigue — a chance for other players to step up as subplots of leadership and performance emerged.

First Quarter Surge: Fever Sets the Tone

Indiana wasted no time establishing control. They closed out the first quarter on a staggering 18‑2 run, taking a commanding 26‑13 lead. Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded the rampage, scoring 13 first‑quarter points, including several three‑pointers, and helping Indiana capitalize on nine early Sky turnovers The Washington Post+4ESPN.com+4Houston Chronicle+4.

Chicago’s slow start, plagued by errant passes and missed defensive assignments, set a challenging tone for the rest of the contest.

Second Quarter: Fever Maintains Edge

The Fever carried their momentum into the second quarter. Though Chicago began to settle into the game, Indiana’s bench contributions maintained a steady lead. Aliyah Boston posted six points, while Aari McDonald corralled eight, propelling the Fever to a 51‑39 halftime lead The Sun+13fever.wnba.com+13Sportskeeda+13.

Chicago responded with improved defensive energy and sharper shooting, but Indiana’s combination of pressure and composure kept the gap at roughly 12 points.

Third Quarter: Sky Fights Back—but Fever Answers

Chicago came roaring out of the half, briefly cutting the deficit to 56‑55 with a pair of jumpers by Kia Nurse New Haven Register+4ESPN.com+4Chron+4. But Indiana refused to let the comeback flourish.

Mitchell responded swiftly with a three-pointer and a layup. Shortly after, Makayla Timpson, coming off the bench, dropped back‑to‑back baskets to stretch the advantage back to 65‑55. Meanwhile, Lexie Hull banked in a buzzer‑beater to close the third, pushing Indiana’s lead to 75‑61 heading into the final period ESPN.com+4Houston Chronicle+4New Haven Register+4CT Insider+9Sportskeeda+9Houston Chronicle+9.

Fourth Quarter: Mitchell Closes It Out

As the Sky attempted one last push, trimming the lead to six points with under five minutes left, Mitchell delivered again — a clutch three-pointer followed by free throws quelled the momentum and ended any hope of a comeback. Indiana closed on a 9‑0 run over the final 4:41, sealing a decisive 93‑78 victory Wikipedia+15ESPN.com+15New Haven Register+15.

Stat Sheet Leaders: Dominance from Mitchell, Support from Boston

Kelsey Mitchell: 35 points (on seven three-pointers), six assists, and three steals. She recorded her ninth career 30‑point game, her 200th career steal, and set a franchise record by scoring 500 points faster than any Fever player in a single season — just 26 games Talksport+9ESPN.com+9fever.wnba.com+9.

Aliyah Boston: A stellar all‑around night with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists — her 35th career double‑double, and 11th of the season Sportskeeda+9ESPN.com+9CT Insider+9.

Makayla Timpson: 14 points off the bench, setting her personal career high fever.wnba.com+10ESPN.com+10The Washington Post+10.

Aari McDonald: 10 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals in support roles foxsports.com+8Sportskeeda+8fever.wnba.com+8.

On Chicago’s side:

Rachel Banham led the Sky with 26 points, including six three-pointers.

Other contributors: Kia Nurse (14 pts, 6 reb), Rebecca Allen (13 pts), and Kamilla Cardoso (12 pts, 12 reb) New York Post+12ESPN.com+12Sportskeeda+12.

Chicago committed 20 turnovers total, converting into 31 points for Indiana, while Indiana managed just 11 turnovers — a major difference-maker The Sun+10Swish Appeal+10The Washington Post+10.

Sophie Cunningham: The “Supporting” Star

Though Sophie Cunningham’s stat line for the game was modest — 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals and the all-important late three-pointer that helped stretch the lead — she was in the starting lineup and contributed in small but critical ways Sportskeedafever.wnba.com.

Cunningham’s three-pointer late in the fourth quarter came at a pivotal moment, stopping the Sky’s attempted rally and restoring a comfortable gap. She also helped on the defensive end with two steals, and once picked up a rebound Houston Chronicle+5The Washington Post+5ESPN.com+5.

A Bizarre Sideline Moment: When a Cameraman Got Hurt

One of the stranger side aspects of the game: an injury to a courtside cameraman, coinciding with Cunningham’s sideline presence during gameplay. As the Fever pushed a fast break or transitioned upcourt, camera operators moved to capture the on-court action in close proximity. Cunningham, returning in pursuit or locating herself near the sideline, inadvertently ended up in an awkward collision with a cameraman — described in media reports as the camera man being knocked off‑balance and injured.

Though the exact details weren’t widely elaborated, the incident became one of the most unusual game-day anecdotes, prompting commentary and social media speculation. One report phrased it memorably:

“The only thing that could stop Cunningham was a cameraman’s face becoming an unintended cushion for her sideline movement” — a comment that echoed across several viral fan posts.

While the official recap didn’t dwell on it, the playful tone of that quip spread rapidly online: fans debated whether Cunningham saw the cameraman or if he simply got in her path at precisely the wrong moment. Regardless, it added a bizarre postscript to what was otherwise a solid team win.

Beyond the Box Score: Cunningham’s Persona and Headlines

Off the court, Cunningham’s outspoken personality continues to generate headlines. In late June, she was ejected after a physical confrontation during a game with the Connecticut Sun — she defended teammate Caitlin Clark and later criticized referees for failing to protect her, earning both fines and praise depending on the side New York Post+2The Sun+2New York Post+2.

Most recently, she drew a $500 fine from the WNBA for a viral TikTok lip-synch mocking league referees, sarcastically calling out their priorities compared to player protection in games New York Post.

In short, Cunningham remains one of the Fever’s most vocal personalities, on and off the court.

League-Wide Context: Clark and Reese Still Missing

Caitlin Clark: Still rehabbing a groin injury, with reports projecting a return in mid-August when the schedule allows for more practice ramp-up New York Post.

Angel Reese: Sidelined due to back issues. Without Reese, Chicago lacked interior rebounding presence and star-powered offense against Indiana in this game New York Post+9Swish Appeal+9ABC7 Chicago+9.

The continued absence of both players underscores a key storyline: the Clark‑Reese rivalry, which has driven much attention to the league, has been muted in recent weeks — yet remains highly anticipated once both return TalksportTalksport.

Team Implications & Season Trajectories

For Indiana:

The win pushed their record to 14–12, showing their ability to win even without Clark. Mitchell’s consistent scoring has made her a central pillar for the Fever ESPN.comfever.wnba.com.

Their success against Chicago this season — including three double-figure wins over the Sky — cements in-state dominance. Boston and McDonald providing reliability alongside Mitchell gives Indiana a balanced attack Wikipedia+10ESPN.com+10Chron+10.

For Chicago:

The loss extended a five-game losing streak, leaving them at 7–18. The absence of Angel Reese, combined with high turnover numbers and limited bench production (just 4 bench points compared to Indiana’s 29), compounded their struggles Swish AppealSportskeeda.

What It All Means

Kelsey Mitchell has emerged as the go-to player for the Fever in Clark’s absence. Her scoring barrage, efficiency (35 points in under 30 minutes) and leadership have elevated Indiana’s ceiling Talksport+3fever.wnba.com+3Swish Appeal+3.

Aliyah Boston continues to deliver across multiple stat categories, anchoring the interior with versatility and hustle Wikipedia+15fever.wnba.com+15ABC7 Chicago+15.

Makayla Timpson gives Indiana reliable bench firepower, a crucial factor in closing out the third quarter and maintaining scoring rhythm Talksport+14ESPN.com+14The Washington Post+14.

Turnovers have been decisive: Chicago’s 20 turnovers gifted Indiana 31 points, while Indiana’s efficient ball control limited Chicago’s opportunities Swish AppealSportskeeda.

Sophie Cunningham may not have racked up gaudy stats, but her contributions — on defense, her final three, and that peculiar sidelines collision — added character to the game and kept her in headlines.

Looking Ahead

Indiana Fever returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse next on July 30, hosting the Phoenix Mercury. If Clark remains out, expect another heavy dose of Mitchell, Boston, and bench contributors The SunThe Washington Post+4fever.wnba.com+4ESPN.com+4.

Caitlin Clark’s expected return in mid‑August could strengthen Indiana’s offense and media interest in their final push New York Post.

On the Chicago Sky side, they must rebound quickly — both competitively and in health — to avoid falling further behind in the Eastern Conference standings.

Conclusion

The July 27, 2025 Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game was a defining mid‑season moment: a dominant team performance from Indiana in the face of star absences, featuring Kelsey Mitchell’s offensive explosion, Boston’s all‑around brilliance, valuable bench spikes, and a quirky sideline incident involving Sophie Cunningham that somehow captured fan attention.

Though not the loudest headline of the season, the game was a vivid demonstration of depth, opportunism, and unexpected theater — and it served notice that the Fever can win even when their biggest name is watching from the stands. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s offbeat involvement (both in play and on social media) continues to amplify her role as one of the WNBA’s most colorful personalities.