The Indiana Fever opened their preseason against the Washington Mystics at home in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Saturday’s showdown saw the Mystics jump out to an early 24-13 first‑quarter lead, before the Fever bounced back and edged out the victory in the second half.
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However, this time it wasn’t a crazy buzzer-beater or record-setting stat line that dominated headlines, but rather WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s exchange with the refs.
With the Fever’s talisman absent due to a precautionary left‑leg issue, the spotlight shifted to Clark on the bench.
A video that quickly went viral on X showed Clark rising from the sideline and delivering a pointed message to the referee, lips moving, arms gesturing.
Clark is the NCAA’s all‑time leading scorer (3,951 points) and a catalyst for the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity.
Last season, she led the league in assists (8.4 apg), shattering three‑point and assist marks, and becoming the first rookie to record a triple‑double.
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Her every move, on and off the court, is now fodder for headlines and endless debate.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Without Clark’s 19.2 ppg and playmaking, Indiana relied on a collective effort on Saturday.
Sophie Cunningham’s 21 points led the way in scoring, followed by Lexie Hull (13), Kelsey Mitchell (12) and Natasha Howard (11).
Indiana shot 96.4% from the free-throw line (27-of-28), and forced 25 Mystics turnovers, converting them into 17 points.
Now, the Fever return to Iowa City Sunday, Clark’s collegiate home turf, against Brazil’s national team, a game likely to draw national TV coverage and renewed focus on Clark’s every move.
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Related: Former Iowa Star Gabbie Marshall Upset About New Caitlin Clark Announcement
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