Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark both own teams in Washington. Angel owns the DC Power and Clark owns the Washington Mystics and showed it again in their game tonight. The last time they played, she scored 30 points and this time she earns a double-double.
In an intense matchup, the Indiana Fever emerged victorious over the Washington Mystics with a final score of 88-81. The game was marked by strong performances from key players on both teams, with Caitlin Clark’s all-around brilliance standing out.
Game Highlights:
- Caitlin Clark: Clark delivered a stellar performance, achieving her second career double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her leadership and playmaking were crucial in the Fever’s victory. Clark commented on the team’s resilience, stating, “I thought whenever they went on a run, we always found a way to respond. We chipped away and didn’t let them get back in the head.”
- Ariel Atkins: Atkins was the top scorer for the Mystics, contributing 27 points on 10-17 shooting, along with 5-7 from the free-throw line. Despite her efforts, the Mystics couldn’t overcome the Fever’s balanced attack.
- Kelsey Mitchell: Mitchell matched Clark’s scoring with 22 points, hitting 8 of her 11 shots. Her offensive efficiency helped keep the Fever ahead.
- Aliyah Boston: Boston also scored 22 points and added 7 rebounds, showcasing her dominance in the paint.
The Fever’s ability to bounce back from runs by the Mystics was a testament to their tenacity. Clark noted, “I thought we could have started a little better there in the fourth quarter, but, you know, we found a way to get it done.”
Key Moments:
- Second Quarter Struggles: The Mystics made several three-pointers in the second quarter, closing the gap and putting pressure on the Fever. Clark acknowledged the challenge, saying, “The second quarter was tough for us. They made quite a few threes, but overall, I thought we just found a way to win.”
- Closing the Game: In the final moments, the Fever executed their plays effectively. “I thought it was really good. I thought we ran our actions well and got good shots there at the end. We could have been more crisp in a few areas, but we took care of the ball for the most part,” Clark remarked on their closing strategy.
The victory marks an important milestone for the Fever, who have now won four consecutive home games and three straight games overall. Reflecting on this, Clark said, “It’s huge. You can stack these wins. That gives everybody confidence for a young group. I think we’re starting to see our potential and what we’re able to do.”
Looking Ahead:
The Fever face a challenging schedule ahead with five consecutive road games. Clark emphasized the need for focus, “Just take it one game at a time. You can’t look too far ahead in this league. Everybody’s really good, and these teams that we’re going to play this next week are going to want some revenge after we beat them.”
They could face a hampered Atlanta Dream team next, as their star Rhyne Howard went down with an ankle injury and may be out. The Dream are already missing their spark plug, Aerial Powers.
Game Leaders:
- Points: Ariel Atkins (27), Kelsey Mitchell (22)
- Rebounds: Stefanie Dolson (7), Caitlin Clark (12)
- Assists: Julie Vanloo (8), Caitlin Clark (6)
The Fever’s balanced performance and Clark’s standout contributions have set a positive tone as they head into their upcoming road games.
This victory against the Mystics adds to the Fever’s momentum, coming off wins against the Atlanta Dream (91-84) and the Chicago Sky (91-83). The Fever are demonstrating their potential and confidence as they continue their season.
