Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Tonight was the night that fans have been waiting months for, the Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever stop in D.C and let’s just say, it was nothing less than electric for 20,333 fans in attendance. However, for the Mystics it was the same result as the last 10 games, another L.
Clark certainly put on a show for fans finishing with a career-high-tying 30 points and knocked down a career-high of eight threes, just one short of tying a WNBA record for three-point makes. She also pitched in eight rebounds, six assists and four steals to tie together her best game in the WNBA so far this season. Clark’s previous high for made 3s in a game was four, which she had done twice, and her new best of seven tied Crystal Robinson’s WNBA rookie record set in 1999.
With the loss tonight, the Mystics own the fourth-worst start to a season in WNBA history at 0-11, The Atlanta Dream, who started the 2008 campaign with 17 straight losses, own the record for consecutive losses to open a season.
The Fever, who improved to 3-9 on the season, had three other players score in double-figures. Kelsey Mitchell tallied 16 points, while Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith each had 10. Smith also pulled down 10 rebounds.
Stefanie Dolson led the Mystics with 19 points and five 3-pointers.
So even without 2 of their standout players again, the Mystics were able to hang until the final buzzer, but some key mistakes in the final 10 seconds really cost the Mystics a chance to send the game into overtime.
After the game several of the Fever players were asked about the sell out and Clark’s performance tonight.
“I think we’re part of history, so I’ll take it,” Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell said. “We embrace it. I’m pretty sure our organization can feed off of it, the state of Indiana.”
Next up for the Mystics head on the road again to face the Liberty on Sunday.
