** Fever Secures First Win Without Caitlin Clark, 85-76 Over Mystics

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In a much-needed turnaround, the Indiana Fever triumphed over the Washington Mystics with an 85-76 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday night. This win marked the Fever’s first since the loss of star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined due to a quad strain suffered on Memorial Day.

The game began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half. However, the Fever turned up the intensity in the third quarter, unleashing a dominant performance that allowed them to establish a 16-point advantage. Although the Mystics, led by Brittney Sykes, mounted a spirited comeback that saw them narrow the deficit to just two points on several occasions, the Fever ultimately regained control and secured the win.

Kelsey Mitchell was a standout performer for Indiana, finally finding her offensive rhythm after struggling in previous games. Her contributions were vital, especially with Clark absent from the lineup. Mitchell’s scoring was complemented by a significant debut from newcomer Aliyah Boston, who made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. This combination proved to be the catalyst for the Fever’s first victory in nearly two weeks, improving their record to 3-4 for the season.

The Fever had faced substantial challenges in recent games due to injuries, with the absence of Clark being particularly impactful. According to CBS Sports, the earliest she is expected to return is June 10 against the Atlanta Dream, leaving the Fever to navigate a tough stretch without their leading scorer.

As the game progressed, it became clear that Indiana’s depth would be tested. In addition to Clark’s injury, other players like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham were also unavailable. The Fever’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity was on full display against the Mystics, as they showcased resilience and teamwork.

Looking ahead, the Fever are set to face the Chicago Sky on Saturday evening, which will be aired live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. This matchup will be crucial as Indiana aims to build on their recent momentum and continue their climb up the WNBA standings.

The victory over the Mystics not only provides a much-needed boost in morale for the Fever but also highlights the importance of player contributions from all corners of the roster. With the team working to fill the void left by Clark, the emergence of players like Mitchell and Boston may prove to be a turning point in the season.

As reported by CBS Sports, the Fever will need to maintain this level of play and consistency if they hope to compete in a challenging WNBA landscape.

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