Atkins scores 26 for the Mystics, who overcome Caitlin Clark's 29 points to beat the Fever 89-84
Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins (7) goes up for a rebound with Indiana Fever forwards Katie Lou Samuelson (33) and Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy
INDIANAPOLIS — Ariel Atkins scored 26 points, including a key basket in the final minute, and the Washington Mystics held off the Indiana Fever 89-84 on Wednesday to spoil Caitlin Clark's 29-point performance.
Washington led 76-55 after three quarters before Indiana rallied behind 15 fourth-quarter points from Clark.
Clark became the first WNBA player with 29 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, five 3-pointers, five steals and three blocks in a game.
After Clark capped a 14-0 run with a free throw to pull Indiana within 85-82 with 1:05 left, Atkins answered at the other end with an off-balance shot in the lane.
Clark made two more free throws and a jump ball was called with 20.3 seconds left. Indiana forward Aliyah Boston tapped it back, but Atkins grabbed it and fell to the ground before a timeout was called with 16.9.
Julie Vanloo secured an inbounds pass and made two free throws with 16.2 left for a five-point lead to secure it.
Stefanie Dolson and Vanloo each scored 13 points for Washington (6-17). Aaliyah Edwards added 12 points and Myisha Hines-Allen had 10. The Mystics were without Shakira Austin, Brittney Sykes and Karlie Samuelson.
Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards (24) goes for a loose ball between Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and forward NaLyssa Smith (1) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy
Kelsey Mitchell scored 15 points and NaLyssa Smith added 11 for Indiana (9-14). Lexie Hull, who made her first start of the season, finished with five points in 20 minutes.
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