Indiana Fever Heat Up at Home: Fourth Straight Win Sets Playoff Hopes Ablaze!
The Indiana Fever protected their home court in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, clinching their fourth straight home win and extending their overall winning streak to three by defeating the Washington Mystics 88-81. With just over 20 games left, the Indiana Fever are now poised for a playoff run.
“No one came in here and said we were going to be champions from day one. In our locker room, that was never our goal. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs, and we’re fighting for that every single night. This is the first time we’ve won four home games since 2015. You have to have perspective on things, and that goes for life too,” said Caitlin Clark.
Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark finished with 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. She also contributed five assists and played exceptionally well on the defensive end, adding four steals. Clark is performing at an All-WNBA level, boasting averages of 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, a combination that historically guarantees All-WNBA recognition.
Clark set the pace early in the first quarter, scoring 4 points on 66% shooting, along with 3 assists and 5 rebounds. The Indiana Fever established their dominance from the start and maintained control throughout the game.
The Fever demonstrated consistency, a key trait for a team finding its identity. Aliyah Boston continued her impressive performance following her Eastern Conference Player of the Week recognition, finishing with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. “I am glad my teammates put me in those positions to score,” Boston said after another strong showing as the team’s leading scorer.
Kelsey Mitchell also delivered a strong performance, sinking 4 three-pointers, dishing out an assist, and grabbing three rebounds, while contributing 22 points. Mitchell has been a constant spark plug for the team as their lead guard, thriving in her role. “We have a young group, and you need experience in this league to find out where your team is,” she said.
Mitchell emphasized the importance of team chemistry and finding the right spots for her teammates, as evidenced by Indiana’s 21 assists for the night. “Personnel-wise, you need to know your team. You need to know where they are the most comfortable and most uncomfortable,” said Mitchell.
The Indiana Fever will now take their next game on the road against the Atlanta Dream, looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their playoff position.