Kelsey Mitchell scored a game-high 29 points to lead the Indiana Fever to a 101-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday. Caitlin Clark, with 24 points and seven assists, played a pivotal role as Indiana (25-13) secured their fifth consecutive win. Fans at Scotiabank Arena showed their support by sporting Clark jerseys.
Brittney Sykes, back in action for the Tempo (10-24) after a two-month injury hiatus, contributed 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Despite Marina Mabrey’s impressive 22-point performance, Toronto suffered their 11th consecutive loss. Aneesah Morrow, coming off the bench, set a new franchise record with a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds.
Sykes had been sidelined due to a left plantar fascia injury sustained during a game against the Fever on June 16. Toronto struggled, losing 10 consecutive games in her absence. Once contenders for a playoff spot, the Tempo now hold the third-worst record in the WNBA, surpassing the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm, both already eliminated from playoff contention.
**Key Highlights:**
– **Fever:** Maintaining their reputation as the highest-scoring team in the WNBA, Indiana showcased their offensive prowess, hitting 44% of their three-point attempts and scoring 50 points in the paint.
– **Tempo:** Despite trailing throughout and facing a deficit of up to 17 points, Toronto displayed positive aspects in their game. They capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outrebounded the Fever, and their bench players contributed significantly with 38 points compared to Indiana’s 20.
**Crucial Moment:**
Mabrey’s three-pointer in the closing seconds, which could have reduced the deficit to four points, was nullified by a palming violation called by the referees.
**Key Stat:**
The Tempo struggled offensively, shooting 39.1% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range, making 34 of 87 attempts.
**Upcoming Matches:**
– **Fever:** Will face the Dallas Wings on Thursday.
– **Tempo:** Scheduled to play against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.