WNBA: Caitlin Clark scores 23 as Fever handle Sparks for first win

A combined 47 points from Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell powered the Indiana Fever to an 87-78 victory over the host Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night.

Mitchell delivered 23 points, including 11 in a decisive second quarter that helped Indiana seize control. Clark added 24 points and nine assists, finishing strong with nine points in the fourth quarter to help secure the win. Both players shot 9-for-17 from the field as Indiana’s backcourt led the offensive charge.

For Los Angeles, Kelsey Plum led all scorers with 25 points on efficient 9-for-16 shooting. Dearica Hamby contributed 16 points and eight rebounds, while reserve Cameron Brink added 11 points and five rebounds. Rae Burrell and Nneka Ogwumike each finished with 10 points.

The Sparks closed within 29-26 late in the second quarter after a Hamby layup, but Indiana responded with a 9-0 run as part of a larger 19-8 closing stretch to end the half. Mitchell was perfect in the quarter, hitting all three of her 3-point attempts along with a step-back jumper, while Sophie Cunningham added key scoring support and Clark contributed during the run.

The Fever entered halftime with a 48-34 lead and extended it to 60-39 midway through the third quarter after a layup from Myisha Hines-Allen.

Los Angeles mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to 83-76 behind a short jumper from Plum with 1:23 remaining, but Indiana held firm down the stretch.

Cunningham finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Aliyah Boston contributed four points and seven rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

The Sparks also lost guard Ariel Atkins in the third quarter after suffering a head injury. She finished with two points in 16 minutes of action.

Both teams entered the matchup looking to bounce back after season-opening losses. Indiana fell by three points to the visiting Dallas Wings, while Los Angeles suffered a heavy defeat at home against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. -Field Level Media/Reuters