Fever's offense keeps rolling, but defensive shortcomings surface against red-hot Lynx

Kelsey Mitchell scored a season-high 37 points and Indiana nearly erased a 14-point deficit, but Minnesota’s balance, efficiency and late execution secured its 10th consecutive win.

When the Indiana Fever played in Minneapolis just over one year ago, a championship was on the line. It was the Commissioner’s Cup final and the Fever overcame their underdog status to get the win on the road — and leave with the trophy.

This year’s first meeting was very different.

Caitlin Clark was available for the Fever, and Lynx rookie Olivia Miles had emerged as one the top storylines from the first half of the WNBA season.

Sunday’s matchup was the featured game, placed in the national spotlight on ABC. Their first of three matchups this season lived up to the billing and delivered one of the most entertain games of the season.

The teams combined for 69 points in the first quarter, and both shot about 57% in an offensive showcase as the Lynx held off a late Fever comeback.

The Fever (19-11) trailed for most of the game, but used a 14-2 run to trim a 14-point deficit to two with 2:37 to play. Then, the Fever failed to convert.

Aliyah Boston traveled after passing up an open 3-pointer. Clark missed two 3-point attempts on the same possession. Kelsey Mitchell missed another on Indiana’s next trip down the floor.

The Lynx (25-6) were relentless. Their balanced attack, with all five starters reaching double figures, put away the Fever by scoring eight of the game’s final 10 points.

Minnesota is red-hot, sits atop the WNBA standings, and has now won 10 consecutive games after a 108-100 victory.