Kelsey Mitchell scored 33 points Friday night and became the WNBA’s single-season scoring leader, leading the Indiana Fever to a 103-85 win over the Toronto Tempo. Mitchell now has 1,034 points this season, topping A’ja Wilson’s 2024 record of 1,021 points for the Las Vegas Aces.
Mitchell scored at least 20 points for the 25th consecutive game, extending her WNBA record. She shot 12 for 17 overall and 7 for 11 from 3-point range.
Clark Returns From World Cup
Caitlin Clark added 28 points and matched her season high with 14 assists as Indiana earned its eighth win in 10 games. It was Clark’s first game since helping the U.S. win the women’s FIBA World Cup in Germany.
Clark went 2 for 8 from distance but made 12 free throws without a miss. She also had 14 assists in a home win over Toronto on June 16.
Both teams were returning to action after a roughly three-week World Cup pause, so this match marked the first game for each side since the tournament ended.
Tempo Without Marina Mabrey
Friday brought a loss for Toronto’s offense. Laura Juskaite put up 22 points, Kiki Rice added 18, and Isabelle Harrison and Temi Fagbenle each contributed 16. The Tempo fell to a fifth consecutive defeat.
The team began its first season with a record of 9-9 before turning around to go 2-21. Toronto is also missing veteran guard Marina Mabrey, who will sit out the last four games of the season due to a right adductor injury. Mabrey has not played since a home defeat to Indiana on Aug. 18.
What Mitchell Did
Clark’s 14 assists and his 28 points helped set up Mitchell’s 33-point game, adding to a record-setting season for the star player.
Clark’s return from the World Cup was a big moment for the Fever. He had 14 assists in a home win over Toronto on June 16, and Friday’s outing showed he picked up exactly where he left off.
Sunday’s schedule sends the Fever back to their home arena for a meeting with the Washington Mystics, while the Tempo will head to New York to take on the Liberty in their next contest.
The Record Streak
In a streak spanning 25 consecutive games, Mitchell has reached at least 20 points, a run that stretches her WNBA record. With her total of 1,034 points this season, she now sits above Wilson, who claimed back-to-back MVP honors in 2024.
The Playoff Picture
The Toronto side is no longer in contention for postseason play, having been eliminated from the running entirely. In contrast, Indiana has secured a spot in the playoffs. A win on Friday saw the Fever move level with the Atlanta Dream at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Indiana’s recent results show the pairing is working. Mitchell’s shooting efficiency stood out Friday, hitting 12 of 17 overall and 7 of 11 from deep.
Clark had a perfect night at the free-throw line, making 12 of his attempts with no misses.
The Fever’s late-season push has been notable. Winning eight of 10 is a strong run.
What Comes Next
Sunday’s schedule features two matchups:
- The Fever hosting the Mystics
- The Tempo taking on the New York Liberty in their next game
Mitchell’s record is secure for the season, and Clark’s return gives Indiana a full complement at the offensive end. The Fever look like a team capable of making noise in the postseason.
Source material: “Caitlin Clark returns after FIBA title as Kelsey Mitchell sets WNBA scoring mark in Fever victory over Tempo,” Fox News.
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