Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston lead Fever to fourth-quarter comeback over Lynx in latest impressive win

Indiana Fever v Minnesota Lynx

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their impressive mid-season resurgence on Sunday with a comeback victory over the Minnesota Lynx, 81-74. Trailing by seven points entering the fourth quarter, the Fever staged a remarkable turnaround, outscoring the Lynx 28-14 in the final period to clinch the win.

Reflecting on the game, Clark, who contributed 17 points, three rebounds, and six assists, credited their defensive effort for the victory. “We’ve won every single game we’ve kept our opponents under 84 points, and they only scored 74,” she noted. Despite facing challenges in shooting efficiency, the team showed resilience and determination, rallying from a deficit to secure the win.

Defense had been a significant area of concern for the Fever earlier in the season, exacerbated by a tough schedule. During their initial 3-10 stretch, they ranked last in the league, allowing 111.7 points per 100 possessions. However, they have shown marked improvement since then, highlighted by their strong fourth-quarter performance against the Lynx.

In the critical final minutes of the game, Indiana’s defense tightened, holding Minnesota to just 4-of-13 shooting and forcing three turnovers. Kelsey Mitchell’s timely block on Alanna Smith with less than 30 seconds remaining preserved the Fever’s narrow three-point lead, sealing the victory and underscoring their defensive resolve late in the game..

While the Fever’s defensive effort was impressive, their comeback hinged on their ability to score, led by their trio of Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Mitchell.

Clark rebounded from a tough start, delivering a dominant fourth quarter with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and zero turnovers. Her impact was profound, as she either scored or assisted on more points (15) in the final frame than the entire Lynx team. Notably, her perfect assist to Boston with less than three minutes remaining secured the lead for the Fever.

Mitchell also played a crucial role, contributing nine points in the fourth quarter, including pivotal free throws that sealed the game. She closed out the day with an impressive 21 points, underscoring her importance in securing the Fever’s victory.

Regarding Boston, this game marked one of her standout performances this season. Alongside the crucial go-ahead basket, she contributed 17 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, and four blocks while shooting an impressive 8-of-11 from the field.

Clark praised Boston’s dominance, highlighting her ability to excel despite facing strong defensive pressure. She expressed admiration for Boston’s skills and potential for growth, noting her belief that Boston will continue to improve. Clark emphasized her pride in Boston’s achievements, underscoring her teammate’s significant impact on the game.

Caitlin Clark and her team have been on a tear lately, securing impressive victories against top WNBA contenders like the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Phoenix Mercury in their last four games. Their recent surge includes an 8-4 record over the past month, tying for the third-best in the league during that span.

Despite their overall season record standing at 11-14, the Indiana Fever currently sit alone in seventh place, boasting a 2.5-game cushion over the ninth-place Atlanta Dream. With the playoffs within reach, the Fever aim to break a lengthy postseason drought dating back to 2016, making their journey a compelling storyline to follow as the season progresses.