Indianapolis — The Indiana Fever became only the second team in WNBA history to start the season with eight consecutive home games with over 15,000 fans. Wednesday night’s sellout 88-81 win over the Washington Mystics matched the Mystics’ attendance from 2002.
So, indeed, the Fever defeated the same team 20 years later, tying an unbelievable turnout record to start the season. It was the Fever’s third consecutive win, bringing their record to 6-10 and keeping them in the postseason picture. They will most likely be able to attend nine home games with crowds of 15,000 or more. The Fever will host the New York Liberty on July 6. Next, they’ll face five straight road games and hope to survive.
But all the Fever have done lately is survive, with three single-digit victories at home.
“This is the true definition of home-court advantage,” Fever forward Aliyah Boston told fans on the court after the game. “We feel the energy,” Boston later told reporters. “We’re just thankful that they continue to show up and that they’re super loud because we’re playing hard for them.”
Boston has continued to motor in the paint for the Fever, even if her hair is no longer pink. She matched for the team lead with 22 points on Wednesday, shooting 8 for 11. Mystics rookie Aaliyah Edwards was restricted to just four points, with one basket. Kelsey Mitchell scored another 22 points in the win. Caitlin Clark accomplished the most of the rebounding (12) and also scored 18 points.
She was four assists shy of her first career triple-double and would have likely gotten it if her teammates had scored more 3-pointers in the first half. But, as you’ll see, the Fever aren’t in fit to throw teammates under the bus. Clark was vital in another victory, however she made more off-target and hazardous passes in the second half. She was later questioned about it.
“There was a couple here and there,” Clark added. “One was a set design in which I assumed Aliyah would be open and tossed it without actually looking. So I believe I’ll simply slow down a little. Honestly, I’m trying to remember the others.”
Boston made an interruption.
“It’s okay, don’t be worried,” Boston said. “If I miss it, then alright, we’re good.”
“Thanks, AB,” Clark responded.
For Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and the Fever, winning is enjoyable.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ball against Washington Mystics guard Julie Vanloo (35) on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Washington Mystics 88-81.
When Boston intervened, Clark and Mitchell smiled and laughed from the podium. There have been a lot of smiles and chuckles inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse recently. Players just have hops in their steps. The trio on the podium strolled away loose and delighted. They deserved it after going 11 games in 20 days against some of the greatest clubs in the league.
In between games, they visited Indianapolis Zoobilation and the United States Olympic Swimming Trials.
Reporter: “Three straight wins at home.”
Fever Public Relations: “Four.”
Reporter: “Well, during this homestand.”
Clark (in jest): “Gotta be more specific.”
During another reporter’s question, Mitchell stated that this was the first time the Fever had won four consecutive home games since 2015, three years before her debut as the longest-tenured player. So, what differentiates this team? Clark murmured to Boston that she had been in seventh or eighth grade at the time, even as Mitchell began to respond.
What’s Next for Indiana?
Despite their flawless three-game homestand, the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and Mystics sit in the bottom half of the standings. Wins are wins, but the real test will come when the Fever travel to Seattle to play the Storm in the middle of their road trip. So far this season, they’ve gone 0-7 against the New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, and Storm. When will the breakthrough win occur?
Time will tell. But for now, the Fever are bonding, laughing, and winning.
