Indiana triumphs over Phoenix in a thrilling match, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge and Kelsey Mitchell providing crucial support.
The Indiana Fever secured a crucial 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, with Caitlin Clark delivering a dazzling performance of 29 points and 10 assists. Kelsey Mitchell also shone, contributing 28 points including six 3-pointers, as the Fever celebrated their return to WNBA action following the Olympic break.
The match saw the Fever extend their dominance over the Mercury, claiming victory in all three clashes this season. Clark, the No. 1 draft pick, recorded her 10th double-double of the season, further solidifying her presence as a rising star in the league.
Phoenix's challenge was spearheaded by Kahleah Copper, one of their three Olympic gold medallists, who tallied 32 points and eight rebounds. Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, the other two Olympians, combined for 26 points after a subdued first half, where they managed only 12 points between them.
The game served as another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Clark and Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion. The rivalry was ignited in April when Taurasi predicted a tough transition for Clark in her rookie season. This week, Phoenix added fuel to the fire with a Twitter video showcasing a young fan who, when asked about the game, declared "I'm here for Taurasi", prompting confusion about Clark's identity. Two minor scuffles during the match further heightened the tension.
Despite their Olympic experience, Taurasi and her teammates appeared fatigued, particularly in the early stages of the match. The Mercury fell behind early, trailing by 48-20 at the midway point of the second quarter.
However, the Mercury roared back in the second half, sparked by Taurasi and Griner's increased contribution. They reduced the deficit to 54-37 at half-time and embarked on a 25-7 run to take a 62-61 lead late in the third quarter.
The Fever responded with a decisive 12-3 spurt to end the quarter, capped by Katie Lou Samuelson's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, pushing their lead to 73-65. From that point, Indiana maintained their momentum, securing a hard-fought victory.
With her impressive performance, Clark now stands just two assists shy of tying Ticha Penicheiro's 1998 record for most assists by a rookie in WNBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Fever will look to build on this momentum as they continue their WNBA journey, while the Mercury will aim to bounce back from this setback. The rivalry between Clark and Taurasi promises to remain a captivating storyline as the season progresses.