The Fever secured their first victory of the season, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 78-73 on Friday night, breaking a five-game losing streak. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 18 points, while Aliyah Boston and Temi Fagbenle added 17 each. Caitlin Clark recorded her first WNBA double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, a career high.

Clark, despite missing her first seven 3-point attempts, hit a crucial three-pointer with 2:27 left, igniting the crowd. The game highlighted the league’s future stars, with No. 1 draft pick Clark facing No. 2 pick Cameron Brink and No. 4 pick Rickea Jackson of the Sparks.

“They’re making a huge impact in our league,” said Fever coach Christie Sides.

For the Sparks, Brink scored 15 points with nine rebounds, Jackson contributed 16 points off the bench, and Dearica Hamby had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Celebrities like Jason Sudeikis, Rosie O’Donnell, and athletes DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson were among the record 19,103 attendees at Crypto.com Arena.

In the fourth quarter, Mitchell’s back-to-back 3-pointers and Boston, Fagbenle’s strong performances sealed the win. Although the Fever shot poorly from long range, going 7 of 25, the Sparks struggled similarly, hitting 5 of 24.

The Fever’s aggressive third quarter, led by Fagbenle and Boston, turned a 45-34 deficit into a 50-48 lead. Clark’s defensive play also contributed, leading to Boston’s crucial basket.

Clark gave a thumbs up and smiled as she walked across the court after the buzzer, and the crowd cheered her every move.

Next, the Fever face the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, while the Sparks host the Dallas Wings on Sunday. The Fever and Sparks will meet again in Indianapolis on Tuesday.