Kelsey Mitchell’s 29-point performance propelled the Indiana Fever to a hard-fought 101-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo in a recent game. The star player Caitlin Clark contributed 24 points and seven assists, helping Indiana secure its fifth consecutive win. Fans at Scotiabank Arena showed support by donning Clark jerseys.
Brittney Sykes returned to the Tempo lineup after a two-month injury hiatus, recording 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Meanwhile, Marina Mabrey scored 22 points for Toronto, but it wasn’t enough as they suffered their 11th consecutive loss. Aneesah Morrow set a new franchise record with a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds off the bench.
Sykes had been sidelined due to a left plantar fascia injury sustained during a game against the Fever back in June. Toronto struggled during her absence, losing 10 consecutive games.
The Tempo, previously contenders for a playoff spot, now hold the third-worst record in the WNBA, surpassing only the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm, who are already out of postseason contention.
In terms of gameplay, the Fever showcased their offensive prowess, matching their league-leading scoring average of 96.2 points per game. They excelled in three-point shooting, making 11 of 25 attempts (44%) and dominated the paint with 50 points.
Despite trailing throughout the game, the Tempo displayed some positive aspects, including 22 second-chance points, a 41-32 rebounding advantage over Indiana, and a bench contribution of 38 points compared to the Fever’s 20.
A critical moment occurred when Mabrey’s late three-pointer was disallowed due to a palming violation, hindering Toronto’s comeback attempt. The Tempo struggled offensively, shooting 39.1% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Fever will face the Dallas Wings next, while the Tempo are set to play against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.