Kelsey Mitchell topped the scoring chart with 29 points as the Indiana Fever secured a 101-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday.
Star player Caitlin Clark contributed 24 points and seven assists, helping Indiana (25-13) achieve their fifth consecutive win. Numerous supporters in Scotiabank Arena sported Clark jerseys.
Brittney Sykes returned to the Tempo (10-24) lineup after a two-month injury absence, finishing with 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds.
All-star Marina Mabrey scored 22 points, while Toronto faced their 11th consecutive loss. Bench player Aneesah Morrow recorded a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, setting a new franchise record.
Sykes had been sidelined due to a left plantar fascia injury sustained during a game against the Fever on June 16.
The Tempo experienced a ten-game losing streak without her on the court.
Before their losing streak, Toronto was in contention for a playoff position, but they now hold the third-worst record in the WNBA, just ahead of the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm, both of which have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Takeaways
Fever: Known for being the highest-scoring team in the WNBA, Indiana maintained their average of 96.2 points per game leading into Tuesday’s matchup. The Fever excelled in long-range shooting, hitting 11 of 25 three-pointers (44 percent) and amassing 50 points in the paint.
Tempo: Despite never taking the lead and falling behind by as many as 17 points, Toronto showcased some encouraging stats. The Tempo recorded 22 second-chance points compared to the Fever’s nine, outrebounded Indiana 41-32, and their bench contributed 38 points to Indiana’s 20.
Key moment
With mere seconds left on the clock and Toronto down by four, Mabrey sank a three-pointer, but officials called the shot off for palming.
Key stat
The Tempo’s offensive performance remained lackluster, converting just 34 of 87 (39.1 percent) field-goal attempts, including 12 of 37 (32.4 percent) from beyond the arc.
Up next
Fever: They will face the Dallas Wings on Thursday.
Tempo: They are set to take on the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.