Caitlin Clark’s 29 points lead Fever to 98-89 victory against Mercury after intense rally

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell led the Indiana Fever to a crucial 98-89 victory against the Phoenix Mercury in a game that marked the return of WNBA action after the Olympic break. Clark netted 29 points and dished out 10 assists while Mitchell added 28 points, including six 3-pointers. The Fever’s win added another chapter to the budding rivalry between Clark and veteran Diana Taurasi, with Indiana sweeping the three-game season series.

Kahleah Copper of the Mercury, an Olympic gold medalist, put up a strong performance with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Taurasi and Brittney Griner contributed 16 and 10 points, respectively. Despite Phoenix’s valiant second-half rally, they couldn’t overcome Indiana’s early lead.

Taurasi’s prediction about Clark facing tough competition in her rookie season added fuel to the rivalry, which escalated during the game with a couple of scuffles between the teams. Phoenix struggled initially but mounted a comeback to briefly take the lead in the third quarter before the Fever regained control to secure the win.

Tamika Catchings, a former Fever star and Hall of Famer, announced Indiana as the host for next season’s All-Star Game during the game. The Fever honored the late Jim Morris, a key figure in the franchise’s history, by unveiling his banner in the arena before tipoff. The game is set to be played on July 19.

The Mercury will face the Chicago Sky on Sunday, while the Fever will host the Seattle Storm in their upcoming games. The WNBA resumes its action after the Olympic break, with teams gearing up for a competitive second half of the season.