The Indiana Fever have been on a tear recently, winning five games in a row and clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2016. Last night, they faced off against the Los Angeles Sparks, who are currently sitting in last place. However, LA gave the Fever a run for their money in this game, turning it into a back-and-forth until the end. It was the strong leadership from Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell that pushed the Fever to the finish line in this tight race, winning 93-86.
Another triple-double for Clark
For the second time in her rookie year, Clark had a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The young guard was the first WNBA player to ever get a triple-double in their rookie year. Don’t be shocked if she gets another one during playoff time. It seems like she’s finally fully comfortable in the league. However, she still racked up seven turnovers, and this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Come playoff time, teams will be pressuring her to make those mistakes. Thankfully, she makes up for the turnovers with her fast-paced play and ability to score.
Clark had multiple impressive fast-break layups in the game, including one off of a steal. She’s also been utilizing the Boston pick and roll perfectly, which leads to easy buckets for the big. She’s learned how to properly get the ball to her teammates and put them into positions to score without trouble from the defense. Clark has turned the fever into a well-oiled machine, and when her dimes hit, it’s game over.
Boston and Mitchell are the perfect supporting cast
Kelsey Mitchell is still the lead scorer for this team, but only by .1 points as Clark starts to close the gap on her. This was always going to happen, though. Mitchell shouldn’t worry about Clark taking the reins as a leader, though, because she is a key component of the team. The pace at which Mitchell can weave through the defense and push toward the basket is fantastic. She had 18 points in this game, which is considered an off game for her. This guard has been on an explosive scoring streak since August started, and it’s been great to see from her.
Aliyah Boston had 25 points this game to go with 14 rebounds for a double-double. She was deadly on the boards on defense and offense as the Sparks struggled to contain her. If Boston can become a consistent paint general, the Fever would have the complete package in this trio of young players. Boston will be a huge component in the playoffs as she’ll be battling some of the best centers and forwards in the game, including A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
The Indiana Fever Big Three
Mitchell is currently averaging 19.0 points per game. Clark is averaging 18.9 points per game. Lastly, Boston is averaging 13.7 points per game. All three of these players have started to become very consistent as the season nears its end. They’re meshing together and playing as a team. With them on the court together, the Fever is at its highest potential at the moment. They are the Big Three for this team, and if they can continue the positive momentum, they could upset some top-five teams in the playoffs.
What’s important is that they all accept their roles and continue to play their part properly. Clark should have control of the ball at the top of the key. Either play the pick-and-roll to Boston or give Mitchell a dish on the side. Passing between these three can easily help spread out the defense and lead to a Clark three, Boston layup, or Mitchell drive and score. If they can properly utilize each other’s strengths, they’ll continue to stay hot.
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