INDIA — Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Fever lost 89-84 in a camp day matinee against the Washington Mystics despite a remarkable fourth-quarter rally.
The Fever opened the fourth quarter on a 10-0 run, but they were behind by 21 points at the half. At one point, the Fever were within three points of the Mystics after the surge extended to a 29-11 spurt.
Insider: The WNBA’s poorest team defeats the Fever after their season’s finest win. How do they recover?
Why is the Fever lineup changing so much?”A coach’s decision, and that is where we are going to stop.”
With a minute remaining, however, Ariel Atkins—who finished with 26 points—made a critical fadeaway, giving the Mystics (6-17) enough breathing room to grab the victory.
With 29 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, five steals, three blocks, and five made 3-pointers, Caitlin Clark packed the stat sheet.
After defeating Liberty, the top team in the WNBA, the Fever suffered a setback against one of the poorest teams in the league.
The following three observations are made:
Fever is characterized by turnovers.
This game was crucial for the Fever (9–14) if they wanted to build some momentum heading into the Olympic break, especially against a WNBA cellar-dweller.
However, Indiana was unable to manage the ball.
In the first quarter, the Fever turned the ball over an astounding eight times, giving the Mystics twenty-four shot opportunities to the Fever’s twelve. Those turnovers occurred from a variety of sources, including offensive fouls committed by Kelsey Mitchell and Katie Lou Samuelson, poor passes, and simple ball management errors.
Even though the Fever took charge in the second quarter, at halftime they had committed 12 turnovers, compared to only five for the Mystics.
With 20 turnovers at the end of the game, Indiana had not committed that many since losing to Seattle 89-77 on June 27. Clark and Aliyah Boston each had five. Those turnovers cost the Mystics 21 points.
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Lexie Hull begins, then spends the majority of the game sitting
Lexie Hull was in the starting lineup on Wednesday afternoon against Washington, two games after she was a DNP – Coach’s Decision against the Mystics on July 2.
In the Fever’s victory over the league-leading New York Liberty on July 6, Hull proved to be efficient. Coach Christie Sides ended up using her for 20 minutes, which included the whole fourth quarter in which the Fever overcame a nearly double-digit deficit. Hull scored six points on two of his three field goals and two rebounds, good for a plus/minus of six in the five-point win.
As a result, Sides decided to start Hull at center, inserting Katie Lou Samuelson into the power forward position and bringing up second-leading rebounder NaLyssa Smith from the bench. This season, the Fever have started with six different starting lineups.
However, the Fever’s defense suffered under the new team, as they trailed 26–18 in the first quarter after giving the Mystics 24 opportunities to score. Hull played seven minutes in the first half and finished without recording any stats with an 11+/-. Smith filled in the remaining minutes, moving Samuelson back to small forward.
Smith then kicked off the second half, and Sides decided to go back to her starting lineup from the previous three games. Hull made a comeback at the two-minute mark in the third quarter and played a total of 19 minutes, the majority of which were in the fourth quarter.
She finished with two rebounds, two steals, and five points on two of her two shots.
Aliyah Boston was limited by foul play.
For Mystics forward Stefanie Dolson and Fever forward Aliyah Boston, the 3:25 mark of the third quarter proved to be crucial. As Boston was about to make a layup, officials ruled a defensive foul on Dolson, which would have resulted in his fourth of the game. However, since Boston shoved Dolson in the face while attempting to make the shot, the Mystics contested the ruling.
Upon review of the call by the officials, the Fever’s expressions said volumes: the challenge was successful, and what seemed like a and-1 turned into a canceled basket and—more importantly—Boston’s fifth foul at a critical juncture.
Boston had been in foul trouble the entire time; in the first half, she picked up three fouls in just ten minutes, which resulted in her having to sit for the remainder of the half. She then committed her fifth foul in just 25 minutes of play (out of 16 minutes on the court), forcing Boston to sit until well into the fourth quarter.
The Fever team had to make a significant change because their offensive often passes via Boston. By the end of the third quarter, Indiana’s deficit had increased from 14 points to 21 points due to the second-year center’s absence from the court.
With 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, Boston came back into the game and made a layup right away. On their following play, they pulled down a rebound. She and backup Damiris Dantas led the Fever to a 25-9 surge that almost put them up by 21 points in the third quarter.
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Breaking:**”Indiana Fever’s Stunning Victory Over New York Liberty Shatters Records with Massive CBS Viewership Surge! dou to the……
**Indiana Fever’s Upset Win Over New York Liberty Draws Massive Viewership Surge on CBS**
In a stunning display of resilience and skill, the Indiana Fever delivered a spectacular upset over the New York Liberty on Saturday, captivating the hearts of viewers and setting the screens ablaze with a staggering 1.866 million viewers on CBS. This remarkable figure marks a jaw-dropping 215% increase from a comparable telecast just one year ago, underscoring the feverish excitement and growing popularity of women’s basketball.
From the tip-off to the final buzzer, the Indiana Fever exhibited a masterclass in determination and tactical prowess, showcasing why they are a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. The game unfolded as a captivating narrative of underdogs rising to the occasion, challenging the established norms of the league and redefining expectations with every dribble and every shot.
The Fever’s victory was a collective effort, fueled by standout performances from seasoned veterans and rising stars alike. Their synergy on the court was palpable, each player seamlessly complementing the other to outmaneuver and outscore their opponents. As the game progressed, it became increasingly evident that something extraordinary was unfolding—a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of the Fever’s roster.
Offensively, the Fever were relentless, executing precision plays and capitalizing on every opportunity presented to them. Their strategic maneuvers kept the Liberty on their toes throughout the game, ultimately securing a lead that they steadfastly defended until the final whistle. It was a display of basketball artistry that left fans on the edge of their seats and critics in awe.
Defensively, the Fever proved equally formidable, stifling the Liberty’s offensive schemes and forcing turnovers that translated into crucial points. Their defensive strategy was as calculated as it was aggressive, disrupting the rhythm of their opponents and asserting dominance in the paint. It was a clinic in defensive basketball, executed with finesse and determination.
Beyond the game itself, the surge in viewership on CBS speaks volumes about the growing appeal and recognition of women’s sports. With each breathtaking play and each milestone achieved, the Indiana Fever and their counterparts across the WNBA continue to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, challenging stereotypes and rewriting the narrative of what it means to compete at the highest level.
As the dust settles on this electrifying matchup, one thing remains abundantly clear: the Indiana Fever’s triumph over the New York Liberty was more than just a win—it was a statement. A statement of their resilience, their skill, and their unwavering commitment to excellence. And as they bask in the glow of this monumental victory, one can only imagine what the future holds for this indomitable team and the sport they represent.
In a world hungry for inspiration and heroes, the Indiana Fever have stepped up to the plate, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. With each game, each win, and each viewer drawn to their electrifying brand of basketball, they continue to defy expectations and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in sports.
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