The Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, two of the hottest teams since the Olympic break, faced off Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Both teams entered the game with 7-1 records, but it was the Lynx who emerged victorious, snapping Indiana’s five-game winning streak with a 99-88 win. Once again, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier proved decisive, contributing 26 points after her 31-point outburst against Indiana just weeks earlier.
Caitlin Clark acknowledged the difficulty of playing against a team like Minnesota, praising their movement and basketball IQ. Despite the loss, Indiana showed its resilience, cutting a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to just one point in the fourth. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever’s fightback with 23 points but emphasized the need for more defensive stops and rebounds in critical moments.
Indiana’s coach, Christie Sides, emphasized that the team is focused on growth rather than proving themselves. With the Fever now sitting sixth in the playoff race, their young core continues to improve, gelling just in time for the postseason. Clark led the team once again with 25 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers in a season.
The Fever’s dedicated fanbase was out in full force, with Friday marking the team’s 12th sellout of the season. Kelsey Mitchell appreciated the support, saying, “It makes you go harder, and it makes you appreciate the moment even more.” The connection between the fans and the team has only grown stronger as Indiana continues to compete fiercely in every game.
With four home games remaining in the regular season, Indiana looks to rebound quickly as they host the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. Despite the loss, the Fever have proven they can compete with top teams like Minnesota and are poised to make their mark in the WNBA playoffs.
