Caitlin Clark posted 27 points and 11 assists as the Indiana Fever delivered a statement victory Wednesday night, crushing the Connecticut Sun 123-88 to set a new franchise record for points in a single game.
The Fever shot 62 percent from the field and drilled 11 of 22 three-pointers, leading from start to finish at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana's 70-point first half was the largest in franchise history, and the 123-point total ranks as the third-highest scoring output in WNBA history without overtime.
Kelsey Mitchell continued her remarkable scoring tear, contributing 23 points and three triples. It marked the 10th consecutive game in which Mitchell has produced at least 20 points and three three-pointers, cementing her status as one of the league's premier perimeter scorers. Aliyah Boston added 22 points, while Monique Billings and Tyasha Harris each scored 12.
Clark was unstoppable from the opening minutes. She scored 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting — including three triples — in the first 4½ minutes, adding two assists as Indiana jumped to a 17-11 lead. Mitchell also scored 11 in the opening quarter, and the Fever led 36-26 after one. Clark drained two more three-pointers in the second quarter and carried 21 points into the locker room at halftime.
The win extended Indiana's streak to three games heading into the All-Star break, improving the Fever to 17-10. Connecticut dropped to 7-20 with the defeat.
Tensions flared late in the third quarter when Clark and Sun guard Saniya Rivers exchanged words, resulting in technical fouls for both players. It was Clark's seventh technical of the season; one more would trigger an automatic one-game suspension. The Fever have 17 regular-season games remaining.
Diamond Miller led Connecticut with 15 points, Rivers scored 13, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 11. The Sun were without Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner.
Indiana returns from the All-Star break with a three-game road trip beginning Tuesday at Seattle. Connecticut continues a six-game road swing with a visit to Washington on Tuesday.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/suns-fever-score-caitlin-clark-90c285754b9f7f7c2525592cc1b6d75e
