Caitlin Clark shines in Fever win

INDIANAPOLIS — In a high-stakes matchup following the Olympic break, the Indiana Fever secured a crucial 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, led by standout performances from Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. Clark, who recorded her 10th double-double of the season, finished with 29 points and 10 assists, while Mitchell contributed 28 points, including six 3-pointers. The game intensified the rivalry between Clark and three-time champion Diana Taurasi, as the Fever completed a season sweep of the Mercury. The Mercury, featuring three U.S. Olympic gold medalists, struggled early in the game, falling behind 48-20 midway through the second quarter. Kahleah Copper emerged as Phoenix's top scorer with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Taurasi and Brittney Griner added 16 and 10 points, respectively. The slow start was attributed to the fatigue from Olympic competition and the challenge of playing two road games in quick succession. Despite their early struggles, the Mercury mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the halftime deficit to 54-37 and taking a 62-61 lead late in the third quarter after a 25-7 run. However, the Fever responded decisively, closing the third quarter with a 12-3 run capped by Katie Lou Samuelson’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer, which gave Indiana a 73-65 lead. From that point on, the Fever maintained control, never trailing again and solidifying their position in the WNBA standings with this vital win.