Diamond DeShields

Given the physicality, gamesmanship, and postseason-like aura that accompanied the first two meetings between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, it wouldn’t have been unwise to assume that at some point, meeting No. 3 on June 23, 2024 would offer the same. Through her competitive approach to guarding Caitlin Clark and the noticeable vigor in her step, Diamond DeShields did her part in ensuring the wait wouldn’t last long. Only a few years removed from making big-time plays on the WNBA’s loftiest stage, the former All-Star steps to the high-profile assignment with confidence, sticking to Clark’s speedy right-sided drive just closely enough to swat her layup attempt off the glass with ferocity, celebrating with a stare down thereafter. DeShields’ second Chicago cameo came with plenty of highlights on this night as she provided eight points, two steals, one rejection, and two 3-pointers. In one of the 2024 campaign’s most exhilarating finishes, Chicago clawed back from 11 down in the final quarter, uprooting Indiana’s four-game winning streak for a marquee victory.