​PHOENIX (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell knocked down a layup with 10.1 seconds remaining to finish with 29 points, helping the Indiana Fever hold on for a 92-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. The two teams had moved past two tense games in Indianapolis last month, settling into a more composed rhythm that traded baskets rather than confrontations.
Mitchell gave Indiana (13-9) a 90-89 edge with her decisive layup, and Sophie Cunningham followed with two free throws to seal the win while Caitlin Clark watched from the bench in street clothes. Aliyah Boston contributed 21 points after sitting out Wednesday’s 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. For Phoenix (8-15), Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper finished with 22 points apiece to pace the offense.
Clark did not play in the back-to-back to rest a lingering back issue, which prevented her from facing the Mercury for the first time since a much-discussed incident with Thomas that sparked broad discussion about the young star’s ascent. Thomas received a one-game suspension after delivering a punch to Clark’s neck during the June 24 game, an altercation that was followed by death threats and racial slurs on social media. That episode came two days after Cunningham, who spent six seasons in Phoenix, had a lengthy finger-pointing moment with DeWanna Bonner.
The teams’ third meeting featured none of the earlier vitriol—no throat punches, no finger pointing, only efficient shooting. Indiana connected on 6 of 10 from beyond the arc in the opening quarter to take a four-point lead. Phoenix finished the first half shooting 21 of 38 overall and 8 of 14 from distance to lead 53-47 at the break. The Mercury increased their cushion to 10 early in the third, but Indiana answered with a 13-0 burst to go ahead 62-59, then the teams traded bursts of momentum into the fourth period.
Upcoming schedules: Fever at Las Vegas on Sunday. Mercury at Las Vegas on Saturday.