Indiana Fever Battle Washington Mystics in Clark's Absence: Game Recap

INDIANAPOLIS STARTERS W/O CLARK

Indianapolis, IN – June 3, 2025 – The Indiana Fever faced the Washington Mystics tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a highly anticipated rematch, with the Fever still adjusting to life without star guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined by a left quad strain. This marked Indiana’s third consecutive game without the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and the team leaned heavily on its veteran core to challenge a surging Mystics squad.

The Fever (2-4) entered the game looking to snap a two-game skid after losses to the Mystics (83-77 on May 28) and the Connecticut Sun (85-83). Without Clark, who averages 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds, Indiana relied on Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and DeWanna Bonner to shoulder the offensive load. The Mystics (3-3), buoyed by their recent win over Indiana and standout performances from rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, aimed to maintain their momentum.

The game tipped off at 7:00 p.m. ET, broadcast on MeTV and NBA TV. Indiana started strong, with Sydney Colson, filling in at point guard, sparking an early run. A steal and score by Colson gave the Fever a quick lead, as noted in a post on X by the WNBA. However, Washington’s physical defense, led by Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin, disrupted Indiana’s rhythm.

The game was point for point with Austin and Boston trading baskets down low. The Fever leads the league in points in the paint and Washington 5th in the league open with a superior rebounding performance. But the Mystics capitalized on fast-break opportunities and outscored the Fever in the paint, a trend that persisted from their previous meeting. Boston also sat down earlier than intended having 3 fouls -- 2 offensive.

Boston and Clark strike a celebratory pose on the sidelines, embodying camaraderie and enthusiasm, ending the first half.

Mitchell to a 3 point shot of the bounce from the top of the key to take the lead for the Fever with a minute left in the first half when it look like the Mystics held a slight edge, with their rookies combining for key buckets. Indiana struggled with shooting efficiency, hovering around 40% from the field and under 25% from three-point range, echoing challenges from their May 28 loss.

DeWanna Bonner it a 3 and missed one, making it 38-34 Indy at the half after trailing by 5 points at times. Indianapolis seemed focused on ending their losing streak shooting over 51% in the half and a 9-0 run

In the third quarter, Kelsey Mitchell, 2-time AllStar, came alive early from the corner and the foul line, and led all scorers as the Fever took a double digit lead 51-41. The quarter marked by fouls and physical play ended with 31 points from the Fever and 14 point lead heading into the Fourth.

Despite a valiant effort and 12-0 run by the Mystics in the fourth, the Fever fended off the assault and in a tightly contested battle down the stretch with Washington, Indiana emerged victorious in a game that showcased resilience, defensive grit, and emerging talent on both sides. Indiana kept Washington off the foul line and ultimately stopped Brittney Sykes and Sonia Citron. Aarie McDonald made her debut for Indiana after one practice and one shoot around to play point guard effectively, hitting one of two foul shots to push the lead to 7. Final score: 85-76 good gals. 1-1 in Commissioner Cup Play, and earning the Fever's 3rd win on the season, with a record of 3 and 4 on the season. 24 points from Mitchell, and 14 in the second half from Lexie Hull, who met the press after the win, saying it feels good and confirming the team is controling what they can.