The Indiana Fever clinched an unexpected victory over the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86, in a rousing Friday night contest, driven by stellar performances from their leading ladies. Kelsey Mitchell poured in 28 points, while Caitlin Clark recorded a 20-point, 13-assist double-double, her fifth consecutive, according to WRTV. In a remarkable turn of resilience, Kahleah Copper of the Mercury dominated the fourth quarter with 20 of her total 36 points to narrow a once overwhelming 31-point gap to single digits.
The Fever's commanding lead, peaking at 81-50 late in the third quarter began to waver as Phoenix ignited a 17-point run, as reported by the Ottumwa Courier. The Mercury’s efforts, however, were hampered by the absence of center Brittney Griner, who, after a collision on court, was sidelined with a right hip injury, and by the preexisting gaps left by starters Diana Taurasi (leg) and Natasha Cloud (knee).
Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double for the Fever with 21 points and 13 rebounds while NaLyssa Smith complemented the effort with 14 points and 10 rebounds. On the other end, Sophie Cunningham propped up the Mercury with additional scoring, contributing 21 points to Phoenix's near-comeback. Clark also set a franchise record for assists in a quarter when she had seven in the first, as reported AP News.
An impressive feat by Clark was tying the Fever's franchise record for assists, this milestone was reached when Clark darted a cross-court pass to Mitchell for a 3-pointer, solidifying a 92-83 lead with only 1:33 remaining on the clock. Despite Phoenix's formidable surge in the final period, Indiana maintained composure and secured the win, boosting their record to 10-14, while the Mercury dropped to 12-11.
