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May
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Clark-less Fever fall to Melbourne's Mystics
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever walks off the court at the end of the first half against the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank Arena on May 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo: Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Highlights
Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics take care of Indiana Fever without star Caitlin Clark
- Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is out with a quad strain
- Jade Melbourne played 23 minutes off the bench and had five assists
- Explainer: How to watch WNBA games in Australia
Australian point guard Jade Melbourne missed out on an opportunity to go head-to-head with WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark in the Washington Mystics 83-77 win against the Indiana Fever in Baltimore, Maryland, on Thursday May 29, 2025.
Indiana Fever star Clark is out for at least two weeks with a strained quad, the first time she's missed any games in more than five years.
The Mystics took advantage with a five-point home win that took them to 3-3 to start the season and the Fever 2-3.
Melbourne played 23 minutes off the bench and scored just three points on 1-from-4 from the field. She had a rebound and five assists.
DeWanna Bonner's 21-point effort wasn't enough to prevent a fourth-quarter comeback by the home team.
Key Details
- Result: Washington Mystics 83 def. Indiana Fever 77
- When: May 29, 2025
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington
- Standings: Mystics | Fever
By the Numbers
- DeWanna Bonner (Fever) starred with 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block in 25 minutes.
- Brittney Sykes (Mystics) scored 21 points, and had nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 34 minutes.
What Happened
The Fever started strong, taking a 23-19 lead after the first quarter behind solid offensive execution. However, Washington responded in the second period, outscoring Indiana 25-17 to take a 44-40 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with the Mystics slightly extending their lead by outscoring the Fever 16-13. Heading into the final period, Washington maintained a seven-point advantage at 60-53.
Indiana mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, with Bonner leading the charge. Despite outscoring the Mystics 24-23 in the final frame, the Fever couldn't overcome their deficit, ultimately falling by six points.
Kiki Iriafen made her presence felt for Washington with 16 points and eight rebounds on an efficient 7-from-13 shooting performance. The rookie showed impressive poise, particularly in the second quarter when the Mystics seized control of the game.
For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell contributed 14 points and four assists, while Natasha Howard added 11 points and six rebounds. Despite solid contributions from multiple players, the Fever's 16 turnovers proved costly against a disciplined Mystics defense.
Washington's superior shooting efficiency was a key factor in the outcome. The Mystics shot 43.5 percent from the field compared to Indiana's 39.7 percent. Washington also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Fever 41-33, including 12 offensive rebounds that led to crucial second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, both teams were active, with Indiana recording eight steals to Washington's seven. Aliyah Boston was a defensive force for the Fever with three blocks, but it wasn't enough to contain the balanced Mystics attack.
With this result, Washington improved to 3-3 on the season while securing their second home victory. The Fever dropped to 2-3 overall and 1-1 on the road as they continue their early-season road trip.
