Caitlin Clark Shines in Fever’s Win Over Mercury with 29 Points and Double-Double
The Indiana Fever emerged victorious in a thrilling contest against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, completing a season sweep with a 98-89 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game marked the Fever’s first appearance since the month-long Olympic break, and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark wasted no time reminding everyone of her immense talent.
Clark, who has quickly become a standout in her debut season, delivered a stellar performance, leading her team with 29 points. Her contribution didn’t stop there; she also recorded 10 assists, earning her 10th double-double of the season. With this achievement, Clark is now just one double-double away from tying the record for the most double-doubles by a rookie guard in WNBA history, a record set by Courtney Vandersloot in 2011.
The Fever, clearly rejuvenated by the break, came out with a burst of energy that overwhelmed the Mercury early on. Indiana dominated the first half, building an impressive 28-point lead, thanks in large part to Clark’s sharpshooting. She scored 16 of her 29 points within the first 13 minutes of the game, knocking down three three-pointers in the process. By halftime, four Fever players had reached double figures, including Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and NaLyssa Smith.
However, the Mercury, featuring recent Olympic gold medalists Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper, were not going down without a fight. They rallied in the second half, going on a remarkable 36-9 run in the third quarter to take the lead with just under three minutes remaining in the period. Despite this momentum shift, the Fever kept their composure. “It’s huge. It sets the tone of where we want to be the rest of the season,” Clark said, reflecting on the importance of maintaining their focus during the game’s most intense moments.
Clark continued to assert her influence on the game, helping the Fever reclaim a double-digit lead by the final whistle. Her performance was crucial in securing the Fever’s 12th win of the season, a victory that sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
The game was not without its physical and emotional challenges. As in their previous encounter in June, tensions flared between the two teams, leading to multiple altercations. With 5:07 remaining in the third quarter, Natasha Cloud of the Mercury and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever found themselves in a heated exchange that resulted in double technical fouls. Later in the game, Griner and Boston clashed under the basket, leading to Griner’s fifth personal foul and eventual technical foul as she protested the call while leaving the court.
Despite the intensity of the contest, the Fever’s balanced attack proved too much for the Mercury. Kelsey Mitchell finished with 28 points, while Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith added 14 and 13 points, respectively. On the other side, Copper led the Mercury with a game-high 32 points, while Cloud contributed 19, Taurasi added 16, and Griner finished with 10 points before fouling out.
For Clark, this game was another milestone in what has already been an impressive rookie season. Her ability to perform at such a high level after the Olympic break is a testament to her preparation and skill. As the Fever continue their season, they’ll look to Clark to maintain this momentum and lead them to even greater heights.
