Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) makes a cross over Phoenix Mercury ahead Natasha Mack (4) within the second half of a WNBA basketball recreation in Indianapolis, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photograph/Michael Conroy)
INDIANAPOLIS — Kelsey Mitchell scored 28 factors, Caitlin Clark had 20 factors and 13 assists for her fifth straight double-double and the Indiana Fever beat the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 95-86 within the WNBA on Friday evening.
Kahleah Copper scored 20 of her 36 factors within the fourth quarter because the Mercury (12-11) trimmed what had been a 31-point third-quarter deficit to single digits.
Mitchell gave Indiana (10-14) an 81-50 lead with 1:55 left within the third quarter earlier than the Mercury scored the following 17 to get with in 81-67 on Sophie Cunningham’s 3-pointer. Copper transformed a shot within the lane with 5:02 left to get Phoenix inside 85-76.
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Clark tied the franchise report along with her thirteenth help on a cross-court cross to Mitchell for a 3-pointer and a 92-83 lead with 1:33 left.
Phoenix’s comeback got here with out heart Brittney Griner, who collided with a teammate within the first half and stayed on the ground earlier than a timeout was referred to as. The crew introduced Griner wouldn’t return resulting from a proper hip damage. The Mercury had been already with out starters Diana Taurasi (leg) and Natasha Cloud (knee).
Copper scored 23 of her 36 factors within the last 20 minutes.
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Clark secured the double-double early within the third on a cross to Mitchell for a 62-40 lead. Clark additionally set a franchise report for assists in 1 / 4 when she had seven within the first.
Aliyah Boston added 21 factors and 13 rebounds for Indiana whereas NaLyssa Smith added 14 factors and 10 rebounds.
Cunningham added 21 factors for Phoenix, which had received three in a row.
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Clark accomplished a three-point play with eight seconds left within the first half as Indiana closed on a 10-2 run for a 55-35 lead. Mitchell scored 17 factors within the first half, Clark had 15 and Boston added 10.