In a decisive Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs, the Connecticut Sun delivered a dominating performance, defeating the Indiana Fever 93-69. The series continues with Game 2 on Wednesday night in Connecticut, and a potential Game 3 on Friday in Indianapolis if necessary.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 21 points, while Aliyah Boston added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Caitlin Clark struggled offensively, scoring 11 points on a challenging shooting night. The Fever’s three-point shooting was also poor, with Mitchell and Clark combining for only 4-of-23 from beyond the arc. Damiris Dantas contributed 12 points off the bench.
For the Sun, Marina Mabrey was a standout, scoring 27 points. Alyssa Thomas achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, while DeWanna Bonner tallied 22 points.
The Fever started strong offensively with 20 points in the first quarter, but the Sun tightened their defense significantly in the following periods. Indiana finished the game shooting 40.3% from the field and just 21.4% on three-pointers.
Caitlin Clark faced an eye injury early in the game when DiJonai Carrington inadvertently poked her, but she remained in the match. Clark posted stats of 11 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, but struggled with her shooting, going 4-for-17 from the field.
As the game progressed, Mabrey fueled Connecticut’s offense, contributing five three-pointers during the second half. By the fourth quarter, the Sun had established a significant lead, reaching 81-60 at one point, while Clark was nursing an injury from the first quarter.
The Fever managed a lead early in the second quarter, but Connecticut quickly regained control, going on a 9-point run to pull ahead. By halftime, the Fever trailed 46-38, with Mitchell leading their scoring efforts.
In terms of team lineups, Indiana started with Clark, Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Boston, and NaLyssa Smith, while Connecticut featured Bonner, Thomas, Harris, Brionna Jones, and Carrington.
Moving forward, the Indiana Fever will look to bounce back in Game 2, which is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off.