The Indiana Fever completed a grueling stretch of five games in eight days over the weekend. And following a 113-90 win in Chicago, they enjoyed four days between games leading up to one last matchup before a three-week break for World Cup play.
The Fever head into the World Cup break on a high note after a 111-91 win over the Connecticut Sun (10-29) on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd of 17,274 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
It was Connecticut’s final visit to Indianapolis in franchise history before the organization relocates to Houston next season, and the Fever eventually turned the night into a rout.
The Fever started slowly, getting outscored 28-19 in the first quarter to fall behind by nine. And Caitlin Clark took it personally.
You could see it in her eyes — she’d had enough.
Clark made the first bucket in each of the four quarters and had 12 points and five assists in the second period alone. For most players, that would constitute a great game.
But Clark was just getting started.
So was All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 15 of her 17 first-half points in the second frame. After having seven turnovers to four made field goals in the opening 10 minutes, the Fever outscored the Sun 39-15 in the quarter to go from down nine after one to up by 15 at the break.
That’s where they seized control of the game and never looked back.
Clark and Mitchell led the way with 34 points apiece, continuing what has become a historic stretch for Indiana’s backcourt. It’s the fourth time they have both scored 30 points or more in the same game, and the second game in a row.
They are the best backcourt duo in league history.
Mitchell also extended her remarkable WNBA-record streak of 24 straight games with at least 20 points. You have to go back more than two months for the last time she did NOT pile up at least 20 in a game.
Mitchell and Clark enter the break ranked second and third, respectively, in scoring among WNBA players.
Clark (34 & 12), meanwhile, posted her fifth game this season with at least 30 points and 10 assists. She’s playing the best basketball of her career — showing great poise, competitive fire, and new moves.
And Makayla Timpson, making her 10th consecutive start, continues to show why the coaching staff made that move. She’s constantly active, getting her arms on the ball, and attacking the basket. Timpson finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Fever have set another single-season record for wins with 26. That’s two more than last season — and there’s still four regular-season games left.
They’re 26-14 and sit fourth in the WNBA standings as the league pauses for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The 12-player roster includes Clark and Aliyah Boston, and Stephanie White is on the coaching staff.
In my postgame show, I break down the Fever’s explosive second quarter, another huge night from Clark and Mitchell, big contributions from the starters, considerations for the offseason, and where things stand heading into the break.
Those participating in the World Cup head out on Sunday. Everyone else will enjoy some time off before returning to Indy for a few weeks of practice leading into the home stretch.
The Fever resume game action Sept. 18 across the border in Toronto.
And if you prefer audio form, make sure you are subscribed to the Fever Files Podcast.
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Anyway possible KK would be eligible for most improved player award, or did she get started too late?