In a first-ever WNBA game in the city, the Washington Mystics defeated the Indiana Fever 83–77 before a raucous crowd of more than 11,000 at CFG Bank Arena. But the excitement wasn’t all about the venue; attention was distinctly diminished without Caitlin Clark, who sat out with a left quadriceps strain.
Caitlin Clark’s Absence Felt Across the Court
Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who has already changed the fan base of the WNBA, sat out the game after being diagnosed with a quad strain. She will miss at least two weeks. Without her on the floor, the Fever struggled to find their rhythm or ignite any real momentum.
Statistically, the Fever fared poorly:
Field goal percentage: 39.7%
Three-point shooting: 23.8%
Turnovers: 14
Sydney Colson replaced Clark in the starting lineup, scoring only 4 points in 31 minutes. The backcourt missed Clark’s vision and deep-range threat, keeping the Fever offense stagnant for the majority of the evening.
Mystics Rise in the Moment
The Mystics, now 3–3 on the year, took advantage of Clark’s absence. Seasoned guard Brittney Sykes led the charge with 21 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing poise and leadership on both ends of the floor.
But it was the rookies and returnees who stole the show:
Washington’s breakout star, Kiki Iriafen, had 16 points and 8 rebounds, displaying top-level athleticism and hustle.
Fresh off concussion protocol, Shakira Austin wasted no time making an impact, dropping 13 points in the first half alone.
This victory wasn’t merely a mark in the standings—it was a statement. Mystics are deeper than anticipated and are capable of ascending the Eastern Conference ranks when operating at full capacity.
Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Fever Miss Their Anchor
Though DeWanna Bonner led with 21 points and capped the night with a buzzer-beating three, the team never found its flow. Aliyah Boston chipped in 10 points, and Kelsey Mitchell had 14, but neither could quite take over the floor during the last few games like Clark has.
The Fever fell to 2–3 on the season and will have to quickly regroup as they get ready to welcome the Connecticut Sun this Friday.
SportSnip Analysis: Clark’s Value Transcends the Scoreboard
Clark’s injury has left one thing clear as day: her value to the WNBA extends far beyond the scoreboard, not just in points and assists but also in ticket sales, television ratings, and general fan interaction.
Fever road game tickets have fallen precipitously in Clark’s absence, according to recent accounts. It’s a clear sign of her rising prominence as one of the league’s leading figures.
But the Fever also must pose some tough questions:
Can they create an offense that is functional without Clark on the floor?
Who emerges as a leader when she isn’t there?
Will their defense under pressure collapse or get tighter?
Even though the Fever lost on the court, the league won big in Baltimore. The audience of 11,183 fans arrived with energy and enthusiasm and proved that expansion into the cities of Baltimore could be a future WNBA success.
What’s Next?
Up next, the Indiana Fever will face a blazing-hot Connecticut Sun squad this Friday on their home court.
Washington Mystics: Travel to take on the New York Liberty
