--- title: "Clark-Mitchell duo erases 13-point deficit, fuels Fever past Mercury" description: "Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 46 points to spark a 86-77 road win, proving their backcourt is a nightmare for opponents." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/caitlin-clark-scores-24-kelsey-mitchell-adds-22-and-the-fev-8dee5d66 published: 2026-07-01T02:57:22.13+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T02:57:22.13+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Clark-Mitchell duo erases 13-point deficit, fuels Fever past Mercury > Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 46 points to spark a 86-77 road win, proving their backcourt is a nightmare for opponents. The Indiana Fever erased a 13-point deficit in the first quarter behind a 46-point explosion from Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell to beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-77 on the road. Clark led the charge with 24 points and nine assists, while Mitchell contributed 22 points as the Fever’s offense ignited after a sluggish start. The Mercury, despite Brittney Griner’s 25 points and 10 rebounds, couldn’t contain the Fever’s backcourt duo, which outscored Phoenix 46-20 in the final three quarters. The win extends Indiana’s road-winning streak to two games and marks their fourth victory in five outings, a sharp turnaround from an 0-4 start to the season. Indiana’s defense tightened late, forcing Phoenix into turnovers and missed shots down the stretch. The win also snapped a two-game losing streak for the Fever, who had dropped consecutive home games before this road trip. The Mercury, meanwhile, fell to 1-3 on the season and remain winless in their last three games, a stretch that includes a loss to the Storm by 20. "This is what we’ve been working for," Clark said postgame. "We knew we had to come out and play harder, and we did." The chemistry between Clark and Mitchell is reshaping how the Fever operate. Their ability to generate offense in transition and knock down clutch shots has opponents scrambling to adjust. Phoenix’s defensive schemes, which often prioritize Griner in the post, were exposed by the duo’s perimeter firepower, forcing Mercury coach Nikki Fargas to rethink her game plan mid-game. The Fever’s turnaround is a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability. After an 0-4 start, Indiana made significant changes to their roster and coaching staff, laying the foundation for their current success. Clark and Mitchell’s chemistry is a key factor in this transformation, as they bring a level of cohesion and playmaking that was previously lacking. The Western Conference, meanwhile, is taking notice of the Fever’s rise. With this win, Indiana moves into the top half of the standings, and their matchup against the Storm on Tuesday will be a crucial test of their momentum. The Storm, who beat the Fever by 20 in their last meeting, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Indiana’s backcourt, but Clark and Mitchell are confident in their ability to adapt and respond. What’s next: The Fever head to Seattle for a matchup with the Storm on Tuesday, looking to extend their recent momentum against a team that beat them by 20 in their last meeting. ## Why this matters Clark and Mitchell’s chemistry is transforming the Fever from a struggling team into a playoff contender. Their ability to erase deficits and control games late shows Indiana is no longer just competitive—it’s winning games that define seasons. The backcourt’s chemistry is forcing opponents to adjust, and the league is taking notice. This win also signals a shift in the Eastern Conference, where the Fever’s rise could shake up playoff projections and rival strategies. ## Frequently asked ### How many points did Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell score together? Clark (24) and Mitchell (22) combined for 46 points in the Fever’s 86-77 win over the Mercury. ### What was the largest deficit the Fever faced in the game? Indiana trailed by 13 points in the first quarter before rallying behind their backcourt duo. ### Who led the Mercury in scoring? Brittney Griner scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Phoenix in the loss. ### What’s next for the Indiana Fever? The Fever travel to Seattle to face the Storm on Tuesday, aiming to build on their recent four-win stretch. ### How many road wins has Indiana secured recently? This victory marks the Fever’s second straight road win, part of a four-win stretch in five games. ### What’s the Fever’s record after this win? Indiana improves to 3-4 on the season after the victory over Phoenix. ## Sources & Citations - [Caitlin Clark scores 24, Kelsey Mitchell adds 22 and the Fever beat the Mercury 86-77](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401857014) — ESPN (2026-06-23) --- Cite: Clark-Mitchell duo erases 13-point deficit, fuels Fever past Mercury. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/caitlin-clark-scores-24-kelsey-mitchell-adds-22-and-the-fev-8dee5d66