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After playing in 42-of-42 possible games (regular season and playoffs) for the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA season, Caitlin Clark was ruled out for Saturday’s preseason opener.
Still, the Fever were able to secure their first win of 2025, defeating the Washington Mystics in overtime, 79-74.
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With a minute remaining in regulation, the Mystics looked like they had the win secured, holding a six-point lead. But after three unnecessary fouls, Washington handed Indiana six-straight points from the free throw line to tie it up.
The Mystics only made one basket in overtime, allowing the Fever to take full control and walk away with a victory.
After the game, sports reporter Rachel DeMita shared a post on X, revealing that some Washington players refused to shake hands with Fever players, opting to walk straight to the locker room instead.
“Also I forgot to mention… for some reason the Mystics didn’t shake hands after the game??” DeMita wrote on X. “A few of the Fever players were waving because they were expecting a handshake line.. Mystics players went straight to the locker room.”
WNBA fans were not impressed with the Mystics’ lack of sportsmanship, taking to social media to call the team out.
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“…The shake of hands starts with the coaching staff and player leadership. Bad look for the organization,” one fan wrote.
“Sykes is instilling toxicity in the rookies. That team is dirty as (expletive) with horrible attitudes. Hate watches will be enjoyable at least,” claimed a second.
“Wow. Not cool,” posted a third.
“The Mystics team and their piss poor attitudes + rookies disrespecting 15-year vets like DB… I can’t wait to HATE WATCH this team all season,” said a fourth.
“mystics players were being weird the whole game idk wtf they got going on,” commented a fifth.
“yikes,” posted a sixth.
Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sophie Cunningham, who was acquired by the Fever in a four-team offseason trade, stole the show against the Mystics, recording a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds.
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The Fever will be back in action on Sunday, facing Brazil at the University of Iowa, a game Clark is expected to play in.
Related: Caitlin Clark Earns New Nickname After Fever-Mystics Game
