The Indiana Fever continued their push toward the WNBA playoffs with a significant 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday, marking their first game since the Olympic break. This win completed a season sweep over the Mercury and brought the Fever closer to ending their long playoff drought, which dates back to 2016.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell were in their bags, combining for 57 points and 10 3PM in Indiana Fever’s win #wnba #basketball pic.twitter.com/DIVIRJQ2Bc
— SportsDey💚🤍 (@SportsDey247) August 17, 2024
Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was once again the standout performer for the Fever, contributing 29 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds. This remarkable performance made Clark the first WNBA rookie to record multiple games with at least 25 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her playmaking abilities have been a revelation this season, and she continues to make WNBA history with each game.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Clark pointed to their first victory over Phoenix on June 30 as a turning point. “I think one of our biggest wins of the season was our first win at Phoenix,” Clark said. “That really kind of boosted us into how we’re playing basketball right now.”
With this latest win, the Fever improved to a 12-15 record, currently sitting in seventh place. They hold a one-game lead over the eighth-place Chicago Sky and are three games ahead of the ninth-place Atlanta Dream. The top eight teams make the playoffs, and the Fever are determined to secure their spot after several tough seasons.
Kelsey Mitchell, a veteran guard who has been with the Fever since 2018, also played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 28 points and hitting five three-pointers. Her experience and leadership have been crucial as the Fever navigate a challenging season.
The Fever’s head coach, Christie Sides, praised the growing chemistry between Clark and her teammates, emphasizing how it has contributed to their recent success. “This being such a young team … just as the season goes, they start recognizing things with each other,” Sides said. “It’s just these guys getting to know each other and trust each other.”
Caitlin Clark paints masterpiece in Fever’s win over Mercury – The Athletic https://t.co/NFiDzD4brf
— Sandy Taylor-Sanford (@Disney4Eternity) August 17, 2024
Despite a strong challenge from the Mercury, who narrowed the Fever’s lead in the third quarter, Indiana responded with resilience, demonstrating their growing confidence and determination.
As the Fever continue their playoff push, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark as she closes in on the WNBA rookie season assist record. With just three more assists needed to surpass the record set by Ticha Penicheiro in 1998, Clark’s historic season shows no signs of slowing down.
The Fever’s journey toward the playoffs is far from over, with 13 regular-season games still to play. However, with their young star leading the way, Indiana fans have reason to be hopeful that their team will be back in the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
Key Points:
- The Indiana Fever secured a crucial 98-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury, completing a season sweep and improving their playoff chances.
- Rookie Caitlin Clark led the team with 29 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, becoming the first WNBA rookie to have multiple games with at least 25 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds.
- The Fever are now in seventh place, aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2016, with 13 regular-season games remaining.
- Clark is on the verge of breaking the WNBA rookie season assist record, needing just three more assists to surpass the 1998 record set by Ticha Penicheiro.
- The Fever’s success this season is credited to the growing chemistry between Clark and her teammates, which has been instrumental in their recent victories.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
