Caitlin Clark’s heroic 29-point effort not enough as Fever succumb to Mystics

Clark’s 29-point game highlights Fever’s offensive struggles

Caitlin Clark had a great game against the Washington Mystics.

Caitlin Clark had a great game against the Washington Mystics.LAPRESSE

 

Just a few days ago, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever showcased their potential by defeating the top team in the WNBA, the New York Liberty, 83-78. However, in their next game, they revealed some weaknesses, especially in coaching, as they lost 89-84 to one of the league’s worst teams, the Washington Mystics, who entered the game with a 5-17 record compared to Indiana’s 9-13.

As often happens when the Fever lose, fans directed their frustration toward coach Christie Sides. In today’s game against Washington, Sides’ team was clearly trailing 76-55 when their star rookie, Caitlin Clark, led a spirited comeback attempt, bringing them within three points at 87-84 with less than a minute remaining.

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Caitlin Clark’s locker room celebration after historic WNBA triple-double

Clark was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points, shooting 7/14 from the field, 10/11 from free throws, and 5/9 from three-point range. She also recorded 13 assists, further cementing her role as the team’s offensive engine.

Despite her heroic efforts, her teammates fell short. Aaliyah Boston scored only 6 points in 21 minutes. Kelsey Mitchell, who played 38 minutes (same as Clark), added 15 points, and bench player Nalyssa Smith contributed 11 points. These three were the only Fever players to score in double digits.

Clark scored more than 20 points for the first time in almost a month

When analyzing the offensive contribution of Clark’s teammates, the assist tally was disappointing. Smith had one assist, while Mitchell and Hull had two each. No one else contributed, leaving Clark as the clear offensive driver. However, as fans have repeatedly pointed out, she cannot do it all alone.

Clark‘s 29 points marked the first time she surpassed the 20-point barrier in a game since June 16, when she scored 23 against the Chicago Sky.

Despite her stellar performance, the Fever squandered another valiant effort from their star rookie, who continues to position herself as the leading candidate for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.