The Indiana Fever rallied to a decisive 95-86 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, bolstered by Kelsey Mitchell's 28 points and Caitlin Clark's sensational 20 points and 13 assists, marking her fifth consecutive double-double performance. FOX59 highlighted Clark's achievement as she equaled the franchise record with her 13th assist on a pass that found Mitchell for a significant three-pointer.
Despite the Mercury's Kahleah Copper scorching the scoreboard with 20 of her 36 points in the fourth quarter, the Fever held firm to preserve their lead; Copper's efforts narrowed what had been a 31-point margin in the third quarter down to single digits but Indiana pushed through to maintain their edge. Copper was relentless, converting a lane shot to bring Phoenix within 85-76 as noted by The Washington Post, yet Indiana had already built an 81-50 lead with under two minutes remaining in the third, before the Mercury's attempt at a comeback initiated.
Not aiding their cause, the Mercury were without several key players due to injury, with center Brittney Griner exiting the game in the first half following a collision that resulted in a right hip injury, moreover, starters Diana Taurasi and Natasha Cloud were absent as well, leaving gaps that Phoenix struggled to fill effectively. The challenge of compensating for their missing players undoubtedly had an effect on the game's outcome and rhythm.
Aliyah Boston's solid 21-point, 13-rebound contribution alongside NaLyssa Smith's 14 points and 10 rebounds underlined a strong team effort by the Fever, while Sophie Cunningham put up 21 points for the Mercury, Clark's notable performance included a franchise record for assists in a single quarter with seven in the first, proving her status as a pivotal force for Indiana. AP News recounted Clark securing the double-double early in the third on a pass that boosted Mitchell for a commanding 62-40 lead, orchestrating the floor with precision reminiscent of a seasoned professional.
