Kelsey Mitchell shattered the WNBA single-season scoring record with 27 points, leading the Indiana Fever to a thrilling 90-86 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
Mitchell's milestone performance, which included 11 of 22 shots and three 3-pointers, secured her 16th consecutive game with 20-plus points. The feat has left the Fever on the cusp of another record, as A'ja Wilson's 20-game scoring streak spanning two seasons remains the overall benchmark.
The Fever's Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, had a remarkable outing of her own, racking up 26 points and 11 assists. Clark's performance marked the eighth time in her career that she has achieved a triple-double of 25 points, 10 assists, and five 3-pointers – a feat that has been accomplished just four other times in league history.
However, Clark's impressive display was marred by an eighth technical foul, which could potentially force her to miss the Fever's next game. According to Clark, the contact with the referee was inadvertent and no words were exchanged.
The Sky's DiJonai Carrington was ejected in the first quarter after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham. The incident sparked a heated exchange on social media, with Carrington posting "WHITE PRIVILEGE" and tagging the Fever.
Despite the controversy, the Fever remained focused, using a 13-0 second-quarter run to turn a tie game into a 46-33 advantage. Clark and Mitchell led the charge, with Clark hitting a 3-pointer and Mitchell scoring eight straight points.
The Sky fought back in the final quarter, with Jacy Sheldon sinking a 3-pointer to get Chicago within 89-86 with 28 seconds left. Clark sealed the win with the second of two free throws 10 seconds later.
Aliyah Boston added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Fever, while Makayla Timpson scored 10. For the Sky, Natasha Cloud and reserve Rachel Banham both scored 17, and Kamilla Cardoso added 14 points and nine rebounds.
The win propels the Fever to a 20-12 record, while the Sky falls to 12-2. The Fever will look to build on their momentum when they host the New York Liberty on Tuesday, while the Sky will attempt to bounce back against the Seattle Storm on Saturday.
Source: Yahoo Sports