Indiana’s WNBA franchise closed the regular season on a high note Tuesday, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 96–77 in the final home game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. After a disappointing loss to Washington on Sunday, the Fever entered the matchup with renewed energy and a clear purpose: secure momentum heading into the playoffs.
Early dominance sets the tone
From the opening tip, Indiana pressed the pace, building a 23‑point lead by halftime – the largest deficit the Lynx had faced all season. The advantage was amplified by the absence of rookie sensation Olivia Miles, who sat out with a calf injury. Minnesota’s coach Cheryl Reeve turned to her bench in the third quarter, hoping to spark a comeback, but the Lynx could only trim the margin to single digits before the Fever re‑asserted control.
Caitlin Clark leads with near triple‑double
Star guard Caitlin Clark flirted with a triple‑double, finishing with a game‑high 27 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. “I thought our third quarter was a bit sloppy,” Clark said after the win, adding, “You’ve got to give their bench credit, but overall I thought our pace and intentionality on the offensive end were good.” Her performance underscored the Fever’s balanced attack.
“Big 3” combine for 67 points
The Fever’s veteran trio – Clark, forward Aliyah Boston and guard Kelsey Mitchell – combined for 67 points. Mitchell extended her impressive streak, marking her 27th consecutive game with at least 20 points. Boston contributed solid interior play, while the bench provided depth that proved decisive.
Rotation adjustments pay off
A notable change from Sunday’s loss was the shift in minutes between Sophie Cunningham and rookie Raven Johnson. Cunningham, who saw limited action on Sunday, received significantly more court time on Tuesday, helping the offense flow more smoothly. The adjustment highlighted Coach Cheryl Reeve’s willingness to adapt and the Fever’s depth.
Indiana’s victory not only erased the sting of the previous week’s defeat but also bolstered the team’s push for a first‑round home‑court advantage in the upcoming playoffs. The Fever will conclude the regular season Thursday with a rematch against Minnesota, this time on the Lynx’s home floor.
For fans looking to follow the Fever’s playoff journey, the team’s official website and social media channels will provide updates, ticket information and behind‑the‑scenes content.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
