Fever just tapped into their full offensive potential against the best WNBA team

Caitlin Clark is back, and with her, she brought the spark the Fever needed to tap into the team's full offensive prowess. The Fever were successful in their bid to deliver the Liberty their first loss of the season, and took down the defending champions 102-88 at home at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Fever's full offensive might was on display. Clark racked up 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, and she was hardly the only member of the team who shifted into overdrive. Aliyah Boston, who didn't quite get as many touches as she did before Clark's injury, hit a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds (as well as six assists of her own). Lexie Hull contributed 14 points, two assists, and four rebounds, and Sydney Colson had 10 points and six assists of her own.

Kelsey Mitchell added on a significant 22 points — and the Fever was on the floor without DeWanna Bonner, who missed the game due to personal reasons. This is the Indiana Fever that fans were hearing about in the preseason, and once Bonner returns, this is the Indiana Fever we will continue to see.

The New York Liberty's first loss was a big one

That the Liberty made it this far into the season without losing a game is a testament to just how strong the defending champions are this season; in many, many ways, this is the best roster the team has had in a long time. Star Jonquel Jones sat the game out due to injury, something that likely factored into the team's loss.

Having said that, Clark entered the game already making it clear she was bringing a lot of energy into it — it's entirely possible the Liberty would have lost even with Jones on the floor. Clark electrified the home crowd when she hit three deep 3-pointers within 38 seconds, and it was clear she was set on making up for the 19 days spent off the court, a thrilling reality for fans who have clamored for her return.

The Fever also launched an explosive 25-3 run during the second half, and at one point were up over the Liberty by as many as 16 points. And while there were shades of the last time the two teams met (and the Liberty ultimately won 90-88), there was no stopping the Fever Saturday afternoon.

The teams will get a big of a break from one another as they move on to other opponents for the next month; their next contest will be July 16 at Barclays. By then, the Fever should be truly in their element, and, assuming everyone is healthy, well in a thrilling season for fans that have long waited for exactly this kind of ride.