Fever Surge Past Lynx, Who Face Largest Deficit of Season

Indiana built a 57-34 halftime lead over league-leading Minnesota at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday in the opener of a home-and-home set.

The Indiana Fever dominated the first half against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, taking a 57-34 cushion into the break. The lead grew as large as 29 points before halftime. According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, it was the first time all season that Minnesota, the WNBA's top team, had trailed by more than 20.

Caitlin Clark paced Indiana with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists in the opening half. Aliyah Boston added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 13 points, three rebounds and four assists. The three combined to shoot 13 of 23 from the field.

Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with nine points and two rebounds in the half, while reserve Chloe Bibby scored nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from three in just five minutes. The Lynx were without Olivia Miles, who was ruled out shortly before tip-off with a calf injury.

The game was the first of a home-and-home series between the clubs to close the regular season, with the playoffs approaching. Indiana entered on a 93-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on Sunday, while Minnesota beat the Connecticut Sun, 101-89, the same day. The Fever were also seeking revenge for a 108-100 defeat to the Lynx in August, a game in which Mitchell scored 37 points in a losing effort. Indiana led 64-48 in the third quarter at last report.