The Indiana Fever kept their postseason push alive with an 85–77 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night, but the win came at a cost. Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 19,156 at TD Garden — the second-largest in Sun franchise history — the Fever saw star guard Caitlin Clark exit in the final minute after appearing to re-aggravate a groin injury. Her status is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s back-to-back against the New York Liberty.
Clark’s departure put a damper on what had been a signature night for the league. The win marked Indiana’s third straight — their longest streak of the season — improving the team’s record to 12–10. Connecticut, meanwhile, dropped its seventh straight to fall to 3–19, continuing a sharp downward spiral.
A Night Made for the Big Stage
With more than 19,000 fans packed into one of basketball’s most iconic venues, the Garden buzzed with energy and anticipation. The sellout crowd featured a mix of Celtics green and WNBA orange, symbolizing both history and growth.
“Boston’s a great sports city that wants a WNBA team,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said before the game. “Anytime we have an opportunity to celebrate the W in new cities, it gives fans a chance to see these women — the best in the world at what they do.”
“It was my first time ever playing in this arena,” said Natasha Howard, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. “I was really surprised how many people came out today.”
Sophie Cunningham added, “There’s so much history in this building. Y’all need to get a team here.”
The atmosphere intensified late in the game when a courtside fan was ejected following a verbal altercation with Connecticut’s Saniya Rivers.
TD Garden sells out for Fever vs. Sun.
I’ve never been to a women’s sporting event of this caliber and tbh I’m getting emotional 🥹😭 pic.twitter.com/1XvUhvyz8r
— Marlee Wierda (@marleewierda) July 16, 2025
Caitlin Clark’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Ends in Pain
Clark finished with 14 points — nine of which came in a gutsy fourth quarter where she helped Indiana finally create separation. But her night ended with visible pain and emotion as she limped off the floor after a pass, clutching her right leg. She did not return.
“No update,” White said. “Just felt a little something in her groin. So, we’ll get it evaluated and see what happens from there.”
Clark had already drawn attention earlier in the game with a heated exchange with veteran referee Michael Price after a missed foul call. Assistant coach Briann January quickly stepped in to de-escalate.
“There’s a level of physicality that they’re able to play with against her,” White said postgame. “I’m not exactly sure why, but it just is what it is. We’ve got to help her learn to adjust.”
Caitlin Clark leaves the game after injuring her groin
Last 7 Games
14 PTS, 7 AST (1/7 3PT)
14 PTS, 13 AST (2/7 3PT)
12 PTS, 9 AST (1/7 3PT)
10 PTS, 6 AST (2/5 3PT)
6 PTS, 9 AST (0/6 3PT)
19 PTS, 10 AST (1/10 3PT)
11 PTS, 9 AST (0/7 3PT) pic.twitter.com/nJYBt04ZJC
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 16, 2025
Kelsey Mitchell Leads, Boston Closes
Kelsey Mitchell extended her double-digit scoring streak to 22 games, leading the Fever with 20 points. She was balanced by Howard’s double-double and 12 points from Aliyah Boston, who came alive late with key screens, rebounds, and passes.
“She draws so much attention, people have to guard her,” Howard said of Boston. “When she draws that, she opens things up for everyone else.”
Indiana opened the game 8-for-8 from the field and led by two at halftime. The Sun briefly pulled ahead in the third quarter, but Indiana responded with a steady combination of interior scoring and timely shooting.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a full roster,” White said. “They’re having to learn one another in-game. Sometimes you have to win ugly, and we were fortunate to be able to do that.”
Kelsey Mitchell tonight 🔥
• 20 points
• 3 assists
• 8/13 FGpic.twitter.com/kn3hQ6FlQf
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) July 16, 2025
Sun Slide Continues
Tina Charles led Connecticut with 21 points and 11 rebounds. After the game, she focused on the moment beyond the box score.
“It was an amazing experience,” Charles said. “It was a success, even though we didn’t get the win.”
The Sun have now dropped seven straight games and appear headed toward a developmental second half of the season as they search for answers on both ends.
Boston shows love to the WNBA Second All-Time leading scorer, Tina Charles 🔥 pic.twitter.com/v4lcwj3kpj
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 15, 2025
Looking Ahead
The Fever will have little time to regroup before taking on the Liberty on Wednesday night in Brooklyn. Clark’s availability remains the looming question.
“We just take it one step at a time,” White said. “She’s being evaluated. This group has played without her. We know we have a tough opponent in New York… we just got to get locked in and ready to compete.”
Whether Clark suits up or not, the Fever have found their identity during this recent stretch — one built on toughness, timely shooting, and the ability to rise to the moment under the league’s brightest lights.