A 29-point performance by Caitlin Clark helps Fever defeat Mercury 98-89

In their first game since the Olympic break, Caitlin Clark started fast and finished with 29 points and 10 assists. Kelsey Mitchell scored 28 points en route to helping the Indiana Fever hold off a furious second-half rally from the Phoenix Mercury to claim a critical 98-89 victory on Friday night after fending off a furious second-half rally from the Mercury. The Fever celebrated the WNBA season restart by adding another twist to the budding rivalry between Clark and three-time league champion Diana Taurasi. Indiana swept the three-game season series with Phoenix as Clark tallied the 10th double-double of her rookie season.

This victory not only solidified their position in the playoff race but also showcased the growing prowess of their young stars. For Caitlin Clark, it marked a significant milestone in her rookie year, further establishing her as a formidable force in the league. The win also demonstrated Indiana's ability to perform under pressure and maintain their dominance over a seasoned opponent like the Mercury.

Kahleah Copper, one of Phoenix's three U.S. Olympic gold medalists, led the Mercury with 32 points and eight rebounds. The other two — Taurasi and Brittney Griner — finished with 16 points and 10 points, respectively, after scoring just 12 combined in the first half. During the second-half rally. After halftime, they cut their deficit to 54-37 by the end of the third quarter and went on a 25-7 run to take a 62-61 lead. It didn't last. After taking a 73-65 lead with Katie Lou Samuelson's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, the Fever never trailed again.