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Indiana Fever got a large lead in the first quarter, and they learned how to hold on in the end to secure a very important win 85-83 and maintain the Washington Mystics winless in the year.
Caitlin Clark and company grab an early lead after a dominating defensive performance in the first quarter, with a 28-19 advantage and it looked like the were on a roll against a squad that has been presenting all kinds of problems in the current season, but the home team came back.
For the second quarter things changed, as the Mystics stormed back to create a ballgame only down by two after scoring 21 points and holding the Fever to only 14. It was Indiana still on top though, 42-40.
For the rest of the game the score remained close, really close, as neither team gained an advantage partially in the remaining quarters, but it was interesting how things developed.
Both teams scored the same number of points in each quarter, but it was the Fever that took control of the game for most part of them. Caitlin Clark was on fire from the floor and when she went under the basket, she created many fouls.
The long lead they took twice in the second half held up at the end and the Mystics fell short yet again. Clark scored 30 points and got 6 assists in the game, while Stefanie Dolson scored 19 points Aaliyah Edwards got 12 rebounds in a losing effort.
The Washington Mystics (0-10) will host the Indiana Fever (2-9) on Friday night at Capital One Arena for the first of four matchups this season, and both teams' third Commissioner's Cup game.
Indiana is entering Friday's game after a grueling 11-game stretch over 20 days to start its season. In their most recent outing on Sunday, the Fever lost their second Commissioner's Cup game against the New York Liberty, 104-68. The day before, the Fever secured a 71-70 win against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana Fever - Washington Mystics LIVE updates, Friday June 7th, at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Caitlin Clark trying to put the exclamation point getting one free throw, Indiana leads by two with 1.4 seconds left.
Under 40 seconds and Indiana has an 82-80 lead.
Caitlin Clark hits two free throws to bring her total to 27 points in the game and give the Fever a 82-78 lead at the 2:30 mark.
Washington cuts the lead to two points with just under three to play.
Kelsey Mitchell barries a three to extend the Fever's lead!
Five minute mark and it's still a five point lead for Indiana.
Indiana holding on to a five point lead under 7 minutes to play.
Mystics are coming up close, three points behind with 8:30 left in the game
Fever playing good defense in a tight ball game holding on to a two point lead after three quarters.
Fever holding on to a one point lead.
The second half is underway in Washington...
Ciatlin Clark gives the Fever a two point lead after hitting two free throws, Indiana leads 42-40 at the half.
Aliyah Boston barries two free throws and helps the Fever extend their lead but Washington responds quickly from downtown and we are all tied at 40 with 23.7 seconds left before the half.
One minute to go and now is the Mystics who are playing good defense. Still down by one.
8-0 run for the Mystics not as they are now only down by one point nearing the two minute mark in the second quarter.
Here come the Mystics! They cut the lead deficit to four, at 38-34.
Five minute mark in the second quarter, Indiana leads 38-29 playing good defense.
Caitlin Clark is feeling it tonight...
It's an 11 point lead for the Fever, 38-27.
Second quarter underway in DC and the Fever still hot, Caitlin Clark adding on to the lead.
End of the first quarter, its the Indiana Fever all over the Washington Mystics 28-19
Milestone for Erica as Fever look to take control, they lead 25-19 with just over a minute to go in the first quarter.
It's back and forth with these two teas, one point lead for Washington.
She is starting to get in rythim...
Raining threes in DC, we are all tied at 13.
Wallace from downtown and the Fever have a three-point lead.
Mystics tie it up after a rejection.
And here we go! Jump ball in Washington DC and quickly the Fever take the lead.
Less than five minutes away from tip-off, both teams are set to take the floor.
Everything is getting ready in DC, player are almost set to go
The lineup for the Fever
Tonight starting five for Washington...
Only one player will be out for Indiana...
Player to follow on Mystics
Aaliyah Edwards might take on a larger role with Shakira Austin sidelined in recent games. The first-round pick recently posted 14 points and nine rebounds against the Connecticut Sun and followed that with 23 points and 14 boards in a loss to Chicago. Edwards is poised to be a key future asset for Washington, so giving her more playing time in an already challenging season could be a strategic move for the Mystics.
Player to follow on Fever
Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has had a challenging start to her career. She's averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game but is shooting only 35.7 percent from the field. Additionally, Clark is averaging 5.4 turnovers per game. Can she deliver a standout performance against one of the WNBA's weakest teams tonight?
What to look on Mystics
Guard Ariel Atkins is a dynamic force in the backcourt, known for her high-energy play. She excels in transition, consistently hits perimeter shots, and plays robust defense. At 27, Atkins averages 13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. On May 29, against the Atlanta Dream, she recorded an impressive 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Guard Julie Vanloo brings veteran savvy to Washington's backcourt. Known for her excellent court vision and reliable outside shooting, the 31-year-old averages 8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Vanloo has scored in double figures in four games this season. In a May 25 matchup against the Seattle Storm, she tallied 12 points and three assists.
What to look on Fever
Caitlin Clark is still finding her rhythm in the league, but she remains a dynamic offensive force. With exceptional shooting range and excellent court vision, she effectively involves her teammates. The Iowa product leads her team in points (15.6), assists (6.4), and steals (1.3). On May 30 against the Storm, she scored 20 points and added nine assists.
Guard Kelsey Mitchell is a versatile scorer, effective from all three levels on the floor. Known for her smooth jumper, Mitchell excels at spacing the floor for the offense. The Ohio State alum averages 15.1 points and 1.9 assists per game and has scored 15 or more points in eight of the last nine games. In the loss to New York, Mitchell tallied 21 points.
Tipoff from the Capitol One Arena and odds
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET at Capitol One Arena in D.C. Fever are 2.5-point favorite in the latest Fever vs. Mystics odds.
Where to watch Fever - Mystics on TV
The game will be broadcasted on ION, and if you want the streaming options, the game can be viewed on Fubo, WNBA League , DirecTV, Amazon's Freevee
Indiana enters the game following a grueling 11-game stretch over 20 days. In their latest outing on Sunday, the Fever suffered a 104-68 loss to the New York Liberty in their second Commissioner's Cup game. However, they managed a 71-70 win against the Chicago Sky the previous day. Against the Sky, all five Fever starters scored in double figures, led by Kelsey Mitchell's 18 points and NaLyssa Smith's 17 points and nine rebounds.
On Tuesday, the Mystics fell to the undefeated Connecticut Sun, 76-59, with rookie forward Aaliyah Edwards leading Washington with 14 points and nine rebounds. On Thursday, the Mystics nearly secured their first win of the season but lost to the Chicago Sky, 79-71. Edwards posted a career-high double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
Friday's game is notable as it marks the first WNBA regular-season matchup between the Samuelson sisters, Katie Lou (Fever) and Karlie (Mystics). Additionally, it will be the first face-off this season between the 2024 No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark and the No. 6 pick Aaliyah Edwards, both of whom are leading rookies in rebounds per game.
Time runs out on Mystics! Indiana survives and beats Washington 85-83!