Caitlin Clark scores 29 points as Fever resume WNBA season with win over Mercury [Video]

Caitlin Clark appeared rejuvenated and energetic after taking a month off, performing exceptionally well in her first game since witnessing Team USA secure Olympic gold. The rookie sensation scored 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out 10 assists, guiding the Indiana Fever to a 98–89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night.

With this spectacular performance, Clark etched her name in history as the first rookie in WNBA to achieve 450+ points (474) and 200+ assists (223). Additionally, she notched her ninth game with 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, inching closer to Breanna Stewart’s record of 12 such games set last season with the New York Liberty.

In her last two games, Clark also became the first player in league history to score 50+ points and dish out 25+ assists.

Indiana’s backcourt dominated the game, with Kelsey Mitchell contributing 28 points, including six 3-pointers. Aliyah Boston added 14 points, followed by NaLyssa Smith with 13 points and nine rebounds each.

Despite initially looking fatigued from playing back-to-back games to begin the WNBA season after their Thursday victory against the Chicago Sky, the Phoenix Mercury fought back from a 28-point deficit before halftime to trim the lead to just one point (66-65) in the third quarter. However, Indiana maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter, securing the win.

Kahleah Copper continued her exceptional form from the Olympic gold medal game, dropping 32 points against the Fever along with eight rebounds and six assists. On the opposing side, Natasha Cloud scored 19 points, engaging in a scuffle with Mitchell during the third quarter, while Diana Taurasi chipped in with 16 points.

Following the game, Cloud expressed mutual respect for Mitchell, likening it to a competitive rivalry, stating, “That’s just competitiveness of the game.” The Mercury’s record fell to 14–13 with a 6–9 mark on the road, having lost all three games against the Fever this season.

Indiana improved to 12–15 (7–5 at home) and will face the Seattle Storm next on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, televised on ABC. Meanwhile, the Mercury will host the Sky at 9 p.m. ET on the same day.