Caitlin Clark nailed the game-winning bucket in the final seconds to propel the Indiana Fever to a dramatic victory over the Washington Mystics, capped with final box score stats and gameplay highlights.
Caitlin Clark hit a 3 from near midcourt with 1.2 seconds left to give the Indiana Fever a 78-76 win over the Washington Mystics, capping a comeback from a 17-point deficit as Indiana survived late pressure. Clark finished with 19 points, Kelsey Mitchell 15, and Aliyah Boston 14 for the Fever, while Michaela Onyenwere led Washington with 17.
In a 109-77 loss to the Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics coach Sydney Johnson was ejected in the third quarter after an animated confrontation with officials and was escorted off the court by police; he later called it a learning moment for the team.
Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum sprained her ankle in practice and will miss at least a week, forcing the team to lean on its depth as they prepare for a clash with the Washington Mystics (and a matchup with the Connecticut Sun). Plum, who leads the league with 26.8 PPG and adds 6.3 assists on high efficiency (58.9% FG, 48.8% 3PT), will be evaluated in a week, prompting teammates like Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby to step up as Sparks adjust offensively.
Caitlin Clark snapped her early shooting slump by drilling five 3s in the fourth quarter to force overtime, finishing with 32 points, but the Fever couldn't contain the Mystics and lost 104-102 as defensive lapses, especially in the paint, were exposed; Clark stressed the need for consistent defense, a point echoed by coach Stephanie White as Indiana searches for balance on both ends.
Golden State waived Kate Martin on May 7 as rosters tighten, opening the door for several suitors. A reunion with the Las Vegas Aces is plausible, given her previous stint and off-court chemistry; the Washington Mystics could use a 3-and-D wing after Cotie McMahon’s injury; and Indiana Fever could pursue Martin to honor Caitlin Clark friendship, aided by non-guaranteed/development-contract slots. All options hinge on roster fits and contract structure, but a new home for Martin seems likely soon.
Lauren Betts, the 6-foot-7 UCLA center and NCAA champion, is transitioning to the WNBA as a rookie with the Washington Mystics just weeks after UCLA’s title, entering a young Mystics lineup and facing the fast-paced adjustment to professional play while the team aims to improve after last season.
Azzi Fudd, an Arlington, VA native, was selected No. 1 by the Dallas Wings, becoming the first top pick from the D.C. region. The Washington Mystics pursued a West Coast-heavy rebuilding plan, drafting Lauren Betts (No. 4) and Angela Dugalic (No. 9) from UCLA, Cotie McMahon (No. 11) from Ole Miss, and Cassandre Prosper (No. 14) from Notre Dame, with additional mid-round picks Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Rori Harmon to follow. Toronto Expansion picked Kiki Rice at No. 6, and UCLA tied a WNBA draft record by placing six Bruins in the draft.
The Washington Mystics traded All-Star Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm in exchange for Alysha Clark and a 2026 first-round pick, aiming to strengthen the Storm's offense while the Mystics look to build for the future amid a recent losing streak.
The article highlights three WNBA teams—Atlanta Dream, Golden State Valkyries, and Washington Mystics—that are performing better than expected this season, driven by key players and strategic changes, despite some teams like the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty maintaining strong records.
Caitlin Clark's double-double led the Indiana Fever to an 88-81 victory over the Washington Mystics, marking their third consecutive win. Clark contributed 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell each scored 22 points, helping the Fever achieve their first four-game home winning streak since 2015. The Fever now embark on a five-game road trip starting against the Atlanta Dream.
Caitlin Clark's double-double led the Indiana Fever to an 88-81 victory over the Washington Mystics, marking their third consecutive win. Clark scored 18 points, grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds, and added six assists and four steals. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell each contributed 22 points. The Fever, enjoying their first four-game home winning streak since 2015, now embark on a five-game road trip starting against the Atlanta Dream.
Security intervened when a man with a camera tried to approach Chicago Sky's Chennedy Carter at the team hotel in Washington, D.C. The situation was quickly de-escalated without police involvement. The incident, which was briefly posted on social media, drew criticism from Sky players. The team is in Washington for a game against the Mystics.
WNBA teams are making venue changes and buzzy promotions in preparation for Caitlin Clark's highly anticipated debut with the Indiana Fever. Some teams are moving games to larger arenas to accommodate the expected demand, while others are generating hype with promotions to attract more fans. The Washington Mystics and Las Vegas Aces have moved their games against the Fever to larger venues, while the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky are facing challenges due to smaller arena capacities. Additionally, the Phoenix Mercury are building up a rivalry between Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark, and the Minnesota Lynx are planning to honor Maya Moore during a game against the Fever.
The Washington Mystics are relocating their June 7 game against the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark to Capital One Arena due to high demand for tickets, allowing for more fans to attend. Existing season ticket holders will have their seats relocated, while single-game ticket holders will be contacted to select their seats. General public tickets will go on sale on April 23. The move comes after increased interest following Monday night's draft, and the game will still tip off at 7:30 p.m. as scheduled.