The Indiana Fever faced off against the Washington Mystics in a highly anticipated game in the nation’s capital, with the Fever aiming to finish their season above .500. With a record of 20-9, they entered the matchup confident, while the Mystics, struggling at 13-26, sought a final win to redeem a challenging season.

The game kicked off with an impressive turnout of 20,700 fans, setting a record attendance for any WNBA game. The Fever established dominance early on, as Nelissa Smith quickly scored, driving the team to a 6-0 lead. Caitlin Clark then showcased her skills with a deep three-pointer, extending Indiana’s lead to 11 points and forcing an early timeout from Washington.

Despite a rocky start, the Mystics began to find their rhythm, scoring through free throws and forcing turnovers. Jade Melbourne’s defensive play turned into a fast break, giving the Mystics their first momentum. Soon after, three-pointers from Sakona and Shatori Walker-Kimbro allowed Washington to close the gap, finishing the first quarter down by just seven points after a late three from Emily Angler.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Mystics managed to tie the game, leading to a back-and-forth battle. Emily Angler emerged as a key player for Washington, hitting critical shots to keep them in front. Ariel Atkins’ consistent scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, solidified the Mystics’ lead. The quarter ended with Washington ahead by seven points, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The Mystics maintained their advantage coming out of halftime, with Angler continuing to shine and Atkins proving unstoppable from three-point range. Despite Indiana’s attempts to chip away at the lead with scores from Erica Wheeler and Nelissa Smith, the Mystics’ consistent scoring and timely plays kept them ahead.

Entering the fourth quarter with a 16-point deficit, the Fever showed resilience. Christy Wallace’s scoring sparked a comeback attempt, shrinking the lead significantly. Back-to-back three-pointers from Kelsey Mitchell and other key plays brought Indiana within striking distance. With the game teetering on the edge, a dramatic final stretch ensued, where the Fever narrowed the score to a single point with just seconds left on the clock.

However, despite their efforts and having the ball in the final moments, the Fever couldn’t convert, ultimately falling to the Mystics 92-91. This defeat left Indiana’s record below .500, despite their promising start. While Caitlin Clark contributed significantly with eight points and eight assists, her limited playing time in the second half hindered Indiana’s comeback efforts.

The Mystics, led by Zika Kone’s game-high 20 points and Atkins’ vital contributions, showcased their shooting prowess to turn the tide of the game. As the Fever look forward to the playoffs, they’ll aim to build on the lessons learned from this match, hoping to harness their early game success into a stronger playoff run.