The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics delivered a thrilling preseason showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Despite missing star guard Caitlin Clark due to a minor leg injury, the Fever showcased their depth and resilience, rallying from a 15-point deficit to secure a 79-74 overtime victory.
Fever’s Depth Shines in Clark’s Absence
With Caitlin Clark sidelined, the Fever leaned on their bench to fill the void. Sophie Cunningham stepped up impressively, leading all scorers with 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds in 34 minutes off the bench. Lexie Hull contributed significantly with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals, providing a spark on both ends of the court. Veteran forward Natasha Howard added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Aliyah Boston chipped in with seven points, eight rebounds, and three assists. The Fever’s bench outscored the Mystics’ reserves, highlighting the team’s depth and versatility.
Mystics Start Strong but Falter Late
The Mystics came out firing, building an 11-point lead after the first quarter and extending it to 15 in the second. Brittney Sykes led Washington with 18 points, while rookie Sonia Citron impressed in her debut with 15 points. Stefanie Dolson added 10 points and eight rebounds. However, turnovers plagued the Mystics throughout the game, committing 25 in total, which the Fever converted into 17 points. Washington’s offense stalled in the second half, allowing Indiana to mount a comeback.
Clutch Performance Sends Game to Overtime
Trailing 71-65 with under a minute remaining, the Fever executed flawlessly from the free-throw line. Hull sank four consecutive free throws, and Cunningham added two more to tie the game at 71. Indiana’s defense held firm, forcing a stop to send the game into overtime. In the extra period, the Fever outscored the Mystics 8-3, sealing the comeback victory. Indiana’s exceptional free-throw shooting (27-of-28) proved decisive in the game’s outcome.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
The Fever’s ability to rally without their star player speaks volumes about their team’s depth and resilience. Coach Stephanie White’s emphasis on defense and execution was evident in the team’s performance. For the Mystics, the game highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in ball security and maintaining offensive consistency. Both teams will look to build on this experience as they prepare for the regular season.