Fever fend off Mercury comeback as Clark dazzles with fifth consecutive double-double

Caitlin Clark leads team with record-tying assists in victory over...

In the bustling heart of Indianapolis, Caitlin Clark is turning Gainbridge Fieldhouse into her personal court of dreams. On Friday night, the Indiana Feverscraped by with a thrilling 95-86 victory over the shorthanded Phoenix Mercury, but the real story? Clark’s dazzling display of passing wizardry.

With the Fever leading by as many as 31 points late in the third quarter, Clark posted her fifth consecutive double-double, racking up 20 points, 13 assists, six rebounds, two blocks, and, sure, six turnovers too-because nobody’s perfect, right?

“They are obviously short on bodies, so the more we can push the pace, the better,” Clark said, downplaying her own brilliance with the kind of humility that makes you almost forget she’s the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Let’s talk about that pace. Clark came out like a rocket, notching seven of her 13 assists in the first seven minutes. The Fever’s first-half explosion left the Mercury gasping for air, trailing by 20 at halftime and staring up a 31-point mountain by the end of the third. Indiana was cruising. Or so we thought.

The Mercury, despite missing their superstar Diana Taurasi and several key players, launched a furious 17-0 run, slicing the lead down to single digits with just over five minutes to go. Kahleah Copper was unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 36 points.

Clark’s clutch play seals the deal

But Indiana had an ace up its sleeve-Clark, who found Kelsey Mitchell for a clutch three-pointer to halt Phoenix’s momentum. That assist, Clark’s 13th of the night, tied a franchise record and was the nail in the coffin, pushing the lead back to nine with a minute and a half remaining.

Mitchell ended the night with 28 points, while Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith each added double-doubles, dominating the paint and the boards. The Fever outscored the Mercury 60-28 in the paint and outrebounded them 42-30, showcasing a team effort that underscored their grit and determination.

Now sitting at 10-14, the Fever are eyeing the All-Star break with optimism, ready to showcase their trio of All-Stars-Clark, Boston, and Mitchell-against the best of the U.S. women’s national team. And while the Mercury, now 12-11, lick their wounds and hope for a healthier roster post-break, it’s clear they’ll have to reckon with Clark’s transformative talent when they meet again.

Caitlin Clark is averaging 7.6 assists per game, second only to Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas, Clark is handing out dimes at a pace that feels, well, unprecedented. And if Friday night was any indication, she’s just getting started.