Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visit the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night in a matchup that doubles as a litmus test for both teams. Clark dropped 26 points in their last meeting, a 9-7 Indiana win that kept the Fever alive in the crowded East playoff race. Phoenix, meanwhile, enters at 5-12, mired in the Western Conference basement and starved for a quality victory.
The Fever (9-7) are clinging to a playoff spot with room to grow, while the Mercury (5-12) are running out of time to salvage relevance in a brutal West. Clark’s offensive explosion last time out—26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 5 threes—showcased her ability to shred Phoenix’s defense and swing games single-handedly. Indiana has leaned on her volume and efficiency to stay competitive; Phoenix, by contrast, has leaned on desperation.
The Fever’s late-game execution has been their secret weapon, with four of their nine wins coming by three points or fewer. That clutch DNA could be the difference against a Mercury team that’s struggled to close games this season. Phoenix’s 5-12 record is the worst in the West and tied for the league’s worst overall.
Their last win came on June 12 against Dallas, and they’ve lost four straight. The Mercury’s offense ranks 12th in the league by points per game, while their defense sits 11th in efficiency—neither side of the ball is carrying them. Indiana’s supporting cast, led by Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, has been the unsung engine of their success.
Boston’s rebounding and Mitchell’s scoring have provided Clark with the breathing room she needs to operate at her peak. The Mercury’s struggles aren’t just statistical—they’re structural. The team has cycled through 11 different starting lineups this season, the most in the league, and their chemistry remains a work in progress.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s continuity under coach Christie Sides has allowed them to build trust and timing, especially in late-game situations. 5% from the field over their last 10 games. Clark’s ability to exploit those breakdowns will be central to Indiana’s chances.
This isn’t just about individual matchups—it’s about franchise trajectories. Phoenix entered the season with high hopes after drafting Cameron Brink and adding veteran pieces, but injuries and inconsistent play have derailed their progress. The Mercury’s front office has already signaled a rebuild is likely, making every game a referendum on their current direction.
For Indiana, a win here could mark the start of a sustained push toward the postseason, while a loss might expose the cracks in a roster built around a rookie sensation. Phoenix’s offensive woes are particularly glaring when compared to their historical standards. Last season, they ranked third in the league in scoring, but this year they’ve fallen to 12th, a drop of nearly 10 points per game.
The absence of Skylar Diggins-Smith, who was traded in the offseason, has left a void that hasn’t been filled. 3 points per game off the pine, a key advantage in tight contests. Phoenix head coach Nikki Fargas framed the urgency plainly: “We’re fighting for every possession right now.
Every game matters. ” Clark, when asked about the rematch, said: “They’re a different team on paper, but I know what we did last time. ” What’s next: A Fever win tightens the East playoff race and keeps Indiana’s postseason hopes alive.
A loss risks slipping behind the pack and turning their playoff push into a slog. For Phoenix, a victory could spark a late surge—or at least quiet the noise about a franchise in transition. m.
This game isn’t just another WNBA contest—it’s a collision of momentum and desperation. Clark’s star power and the Fever’s playoff push meet Phoenix’s tanking reality in a West cellar that’s eating teams alive. A Clark-led win tightens the East race and validates Indiana’s climb; a loss exposes their fragility. For Phoenix, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and maybe, just maybe, remind the league they’re still a team worth watching. The outcome could ripple through both conferences, shaping playoff positioning and franchise narratives as the season hits its final stretch. The stakes extend beyond the standings: Indiana’s ability to grind out wins with Clark at the helm tests whether a rookie-led roster can sustain a postseason push, while Phoenix’s failure to compete risks accelerating their rebuild timeline.
Frequently asked
How did Caitlin Clark perform in the Fever’s last game against Phoenix?
Clark scored 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 5 three-pointers, in Indiana’s 9-7 win over Phoenix. She led the team in scoring and showcased her ability to dominate offensively.
What are the current records for Indiana and Phoenix?
Indiana sits at 9-7, holding a playoff spot by a thread in the East. Phoenix is at 5-12, tied for the worst record in the league and dead last in the West.
When and where is the game between Indiana and Phoenix?
The game tips off at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix. It’s a pivotal matchup with playoff implications for both teams.
How has Phoenix performed recently?
Phoenix has lost four straight games and last won on June 12 against Dallas. Their offense ranks 12th in the league, and their defense sits 11th in efficiency—neither side is carrying them.
What’s at stake for Indiana in this game?
A win keeps Indiana’s playoff hopes alive and tightens their grip on a playoff spot in the competitive East. A loss risks slipping behind the pack and complicating their postseason push.
Who are the key players for Indiana besides Caitlin Clark?
Aliyah Boston has been a force on the boards and in the paint, while Kelsey Mitchell provides scoring off the bench. Both have been critical to Indiana’s late-game execution this season.
