What’s next for the team, in the middle of racist charges and unwelcome attacks?
Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored 22 points, powering the Indiana Fever to an 88-81 victory over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night. This win marked the Fever’s third consecutive victory and improved their season record to 5-10.
The @indianafever stayed consistent through all 4Qs against the Mystics, executing plays and staying scrappy on defense 🤩
Solid performances by Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark ⤵️
Kelsey STATS: 22 PTS, 3 REB
Aliyah STATS: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
Caitlin STATS: 18… pic.twitter.com/6bsoorS6sL— WNBA (@WNBA) June 20, 2024
Caitlin Clark played a pivotal role, achieving her second career double-double with 18 points, a career-best 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, although she also committed six turnovers. NaLyssa Smith contributed 11 points, while Erica Wheeler added nine crucial points off the bench, particularly shining in the second half.
The Fever’s recent performance has been impressive, with victories in five of their last seven games, and this win extends their home winning streak to four games—their longest since August 2015.
For the Mystics, who are struggling this season with a 2-12 record, Ariel Atkins was the leading scorer with 27 points. The team felt the absence of injured starters Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin, but Karlie Samuelson stepped up with 16 points and Stephanie Dolson added 14.
The game intensified in the fourth quarter when the Mystics, down by nine at the start, rallied with a 9-2 run to narrow the gap to 70-68. However, Indiana responded swiftly with Wheeler making key plays. Her jumper and assists to Mitchell and Clark helped extend the Fever’s lead. Clark’s late free throws ultimately sealed the win for Indiana.
CAITLIN CLARK WAS EVERYWHERE TONIGHT! 🚨🚨
Clark had 18 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, plus six assists and four steals as the Fever won their third straight! #WNBA pic.twitter.com/6rhdS3Krks
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) June 20, 2024
The first half was closely contested, with Indiana holding a slight edge, leading 46-43 at the break. The team shot 55 percent from the field during the game. Mitchell, Boston, and Smith all reached double figures by halftime, with Clark close behind.
Washington struggled from the three-point line initially, missing all eight attempts in the first quarter, but found their range in the second quarter, sinking six threes. They finished the game 11 for 34 from beyond the arc, shooting 32 percent overall from three-point range.
In the third quarter, Boston’s timely three-pointer—her fourth of the season—pushed Indiana’s lead to nine points. The Fever capitalized on free throws, making 11 in the third quarter to help extend their lead to 68-59 entering the final period.
Caitlin Clark Impresses with Double-Double Against Washington Mystics
In today’s thrilling matchup, Caitlin Clark once again demonstrated her exceptional talent on the court, securing a remarkable double-double against the Washington Mystics. Clark’s performance was a blend of… pic.twitter.com/1edfKbEnjw
— Hoops (@DuckDuckHoops) June 20, 2024
Major Points:
- Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored 22 points to lead the Indiana Fever to an 88-81 victory over the Washington Mystics.
- Caitlin Clark recorded her second career double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
- The Fever have won five of their last seven games and achieved their first four-game home winning streak since August 2015.
- Ariel Atkins was the top scorer for the Mystics with 27 points, despite the team missing key players due to injuries.
- The game was tight until the fourth quarter when Indiana pulled away after responding to a Mystics rally, ultimately securing the win with strategic plays and free throws.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
