Mystics Defeat Caitlin Clark’s Fever Before WNBA-Record Audience

On September 20, the Washington Mystics celebrated a historic moment as they defeated the Indiana Fever 92-91, playing in front of the largest crowd in WNBA history at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The game saw Sika Kone come off the bench to score 20 points, while teammates Emily Engstler and Ariel Atkins contributed 17 points each.

A record crowd of 20,711 fans filled the arena, witnessing the Mystics’ thrilling regular-season finale. This event not only highlighted the teams involved but also marked a significant point in the growth of the WNBA, which has been enjoying increased viewership and merchandise sales this season.

Caitlin Clark, a standout rookie for the Fever, played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the game. She had an impressive season, breaking single-season records for assists and points scored by a rookie. Her remarkable performance has helped elevate interest in women’s basketball.

Clark, speaking about her game approach, said, “I think the way I play the game is definitely something people love, whether it’s the logo 3-pointers, the pace I play with, the passion I play with, the smile I play with.” She emphasized her desire to connect with fans, stating, “I want them involved. It’s an experience for me, but it’s also an experience for them.” Her enthusiasm for playing in packed arenas is evident as she cited the excitement in engaging with fans during games.

The Fever, who had secured a playoff position prior to the game, began on a strong note with a 20-2 run. However, the Mystics responded effectively, outscoring them 60-42 in the second and third quarters combined. Despite some late momentum, including an 11-2 run to narrow the gap early in the fourth quarter, the Fever’s efforts fell short as they concluded the game with a 12-3 run that wasn’t enough to clinch a win.

Regarding her performance, Clark finished the game with eight points, eight assists, and five rebounds. She shot 2 of 5 from the floor, including both attempts from beyond the arc. Additionally, Kristy Wallace made impactful contributions off the bench for the Fever, scoring 17 points, while NaLyssa Smith added 16 points along with five rebounds. Star center Aliyah Boston and forward Katie Lou Samuelson both chipped in 10 points, showcasing the team’s depth.

For the Mystics, Brittney Sykes and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough both scored 12 points, reinforcing their balanced attack. With the regular season concluding, Clark and the Fever finished with a solid 20-20 record—an accomplishment that marks their best outcome since finishing 17-17 in 2016. This success earned them the No. 6 seed in the upcoming playoffs.

In the playoff bracket, the Fever will match up against the No. 3 seed, the Connecticut Sun, who ended their regular season with a record of 28-12. “They are a playoff, veteran team,” remarked Fever coach Christie Sides, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead. “They know what it means when the playoffs come—it’s next-level, and you’ve got to get to that.”

The winner of the series, which is structured as a best-of-three, will proceed to face either the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx or the No. 7 Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals. The Lynx concluded their season with a record of 30-10, while the Mercury finished at 19-21.

In contrast, the No. 1 New York Liberty, with their impressive record of 32-8, will face off against the No. 8 Atlanta Dream (15-25) in another first-round playoff series. Their matchup will take place at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, and will be televised on ESPN.

Meanwhile, Clark and the Fever’s playoff journey will begin against the Sun at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, with the matchup set to be broadcast on ABC.