Caitlin Clark scores 30 points as Indiana Fever beat Washington Mystics

Caitlin Clark hit seven 3-pointers, equaled her career best with 30 points, and made enough free throws down the line to help the Indiana Fever beat the winless Washington Mystics 85-83 on Friday night. 

Caitlin Clark easily scored the most 3-pointers of her brief career, and she converted three of her four free throws late. She missed the final one, and the ball bounced out of bounds as Washington Mystics  attempted to run up the court. With 1.4 seconds remaining, Washington had one more chance, but the Mystics were unable to shoot in time.

Clark recorded eight rebounds and six assists, maybe her greatest all-around game to date. She shot 8 of 15 from the field and had four steals, but turnovers (eight) were a concern for the former Iowa standout. Indiana Fever was coming off a four-day rest following a grueling start to the season with 11 games in 20 days. This time, Washington was put to the test, as they played the second night of a back-to-back.

Indiana Fever led 82-80 after Aliyah Boston missed two free throws with 25.6 seconds left, allowing Washington to tie. However, Ariel Atkins missed a driving effort, causing the ball to go out of bounds. The Mystics subsequently had to foul, and Clark converted two free throws for a four-point advantage. Karlie Samuelson responded with a three-pointer, cutting the advantage to one.

Washington Mystics drop games

Clark has only had one previous 30-point game in the WNBA, a defeat to Los Angeles on May 28. She had never made more than four three-pointers in a game and had only shot above 50% from the field once.

Stefanie Dolson scored 19 points for Washington, but the Mystics squandered a major opportunity when Indiana's NaLyssa Smith was penalized for a clear-path foul with 1:37 remaining. Down three, Washington freshman Aaliyah Edwards converted one of two free throws, and the Mystics failed to score on the next play.

Washington Mystics dropped back-to-back games against top rookies, with Angel Reese and Chicago defeating the Mystics on Thursday. Due to increasing fan interest, the Mystics played these games at the bigger Capital One Arena rather than their usual location.