Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored 22 points, while Caitlin Clark achieved her second double-double as the Indiana Fever secured their third consecutive victory with an 88-81 win over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night.
Clark contributed 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds alongside six assists and four steals for the Fever (5-10). Despite recording six turnovers, her performance was pivotal. NaLyssa Smith added 11 points, and Erica Wheeler provided a boost off the bench with nine points in the second half.
Indiana, now winners of five of their last seven games, enjoyed their first four-game home winning streak since August 2015.
Ariel Atkins led the Mystics (2-12) with 27 points, while Karlie Samuelson and Stephanie Dolson contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively. Washington, missing key starters Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin due to injuries, mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
Trailing by nine points entering the final quarter, the Mystics opened with a 9-2 run, cutting the deficit to 70-68 after a three-point play by Emily Engstler with seven minutes remaining. However, Indiana responded swiftly: Erica Wheeler scored on a jumper, Caitlin Clark’s steal led to a layup for Kelsey Mitchell, and Clark herself hit a three-pointer off a Wheeler assist, extending the lead to 77-68 with 5:05 left.
Wheeler continued to impact the game, extending the lead to 82-71 with a pullup jumper at the 3:25 mark. Caitlin Clark sealed the victory with two free throws in the closing seconds.
Throughout the game, Indiana maintained control, never trailing but only holding a maximum seven-point lead in the first half before entering halftime up 46-43. The Fever shot an impressive 55% in the first half, with Smith, Mitchell, and Boston all reaching double-digit scoring.
The Mystics struggled from beyond the arc early, going 0-for-8 in the first quarter but rallying with six three-pointers in the second. They finished the game shooting 11-for-34 from three-point range (32%).
In the third quarter, Indiana extended their lead to nine points, aided by Boston’s rare three-pointer late in the quarter, her fourth of the season. The Fever capitalized on free throws, accumulating 11 in the third quarter alone, which contributed to their 68-59 advantage heading into the final period.
This victory marks a significant step forward for the Fever, showcasing their improving form and resilience as they continue to build momentum in the season.
