Fever stay (too) hot in Toronto, win fifth straight behind Mitchell and Clark
Kelsey Mitchell scored a game-high 29 points before leaving late due to the heat, while Caitlin Clark added 24 as Indiana led wire to wire in its first visit to Toronto.
The Indiana Fever’s first trip to Toronto in familiar fashion with another win. It was their fifth in a row as they beat the Tempo 101-85 in front of a sellout crowd of 19,300 at Scotiabank Arena.
The Fever never trailed and built a lead as large as 17, getting an immediate lift from reliable guard Kelsey Mitchell. The MVP candidate erupted for 16 points in the first quarter as they built up a double-digit lead, and she finished with a game-high 29 to extend her streak of consecutive games with 20 points or more to 20.
Mitchell’s night ended early, however, when she went back to the locker room during the fourth quarter after apparently becoming overheated. The temperature inside the arena was a major storyline, with several players complaining about how excessively hot it was on the floor. That also led to excess condensation.
Caitlin Clark, another MVP candidate, added 27 points and seven assists, though she also committed seven turnovers. Earlier in the day, Clark was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the fourth time this season, more than any other player.
It was a turnover-filled third quarter that allowed for the undermanned Tempo to get back in the game, later getting to within four points with a minute to play.
Indiana did enough offensively to stay in control throughout, then held off Toronto’s late push to secure another road victory. This the second game of a difficult stretch with five road games in eight days.
For the Tempo, it was an 11th consecutive loss despite the energy from a packed building to see Clark and the Fever’s first-ever appearance across the border. Don’t be surprised if the Fever are scheduled to play overseas next season, even if it’s just in the preseason.
Following the Aces’ loss to the Dream, a game that followed this one, the Fever moved into third place in the league standings. The Fever (24-12) have won 10 of their last 12 games, including five in a row — and they continue to build momentum as this road trip rolls on.
The Fever now head down to Dallas for a featured matchup on Thursday, which will air on Prime Video.
Also of note: Fever assistant coach Austin Kelly, who runs the offense, was not on the bench. His wife (and fellow assistant coach), Karima Christmas-Kelly, is already on maternity leave. So Gary Kloppenburg moved to the front of the bench, joining Briann January and Tully Bevilaqua.
And if you prefer audio form, make sure you are subscribed to the Fever Files Podcast.
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