Fever Force Game 3: Mitchell Catches Fire, But Clark’s Fingerprints Are Everywhere

You can do it !

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever aren’t finished yet.

Facing elimination after a disappointing Game 1 in Las Vegas, the Fever responded Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, beating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and forcing a decisive Game 3 back in Vegas.

Kelsey Mitchell provided the firepower Indiana desperately needed. After struggling through a lackluster Game 1 in which she scored just 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting, Mitchell rediscovered the aggressive, fearless scoring style that has made her one of the WNBA’s most dangerous guards.

But Caitlin Clark’s fingerprints were all over this one as playmaker, and unlikely rebounder.

Clark eventually fouled out and had to watch the closing minutes from the bench, but by then she had helped change the complexion of the game. Her ability to push the pace, stretch the Las Vegas defense and create opportunities for teammates helped Indiana look much more like the offensive machine that led the WNBA during the regular season.

That was a dramatic change from Sunday. Clark had 15 points and 10 assists in Game 1, but also committed six turnovers as Las Vegas rolled 102-85. Mitchell managed only 12 points, while the Fever surrendered 28 points off turnovers.

Game 2 looked different. Mitchell was attacking, Indiana played with urgency, and Clark once again demonstrated that her impact cannot be measured simply by how many points appear next to her name.

Now the series goes back to Las Vegas for Game 3.

One game. Winner moves on.

And after looking overmatched in Game 1, the Fever have made this a series again.