Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury: Score, highlights, updates

After Indiana‘s (12-9) two-game winning streak ended on Wednesday with a 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the Fever continue their four-game Western Conference road trip tonight with a visit to the Phoenix Mercury (8-14) at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

While Wednesday night featured the return of Caitlin Clark after the former Hawkeye missed two games with a back injury, the three-time WNBA All-Star played under a minutes restriction, scoring 9 points on 4-of-12 shooting to go with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 16 minutes.

Despite her return to the lineup on Thursday, the Fever’s gameday injury report ruled Clark out of tonight’s game to give the star point guard a rest in the latter half of the team’s back-to-back.

As tipoff nears for the final regular-season meeting between the Fever and Mercury, follow along for live scoring updates and highlights of the action:

Halftime: Phoenix Mercury 53, Indiana Fever 47

After two fast-paced, high-scoring quarters between Indiana and Phoenix, the Mercury hold a six-point advantage over the Fever, as a result of a flurry of points from Phoenix and a stalled Indiana offense.

Despite the ugly end to the first half, Indiana has shot 49% from the floor, 44% from three-point range, and 100% at the free-throw line.

While Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull combined for 33 points at the break, the lack of scoring from the rest of the team became a concern late in the second quarter.

Although turnovers have been far less problematic tonight than they were on Wednesday, Phoenix has still managed to score 11 points off Indiana’s four turnovers so far.

1:28 2nd QTR: Phoenix Mercury 48, Indiana Fever 47

Indiana Timeout.

Stephanie White calls a timeout after the Mercury have made a late second-quarter push to take a one-point lead.

5:57 2nd QTR: Indiana Fever 39, Phoenix Mercury 33

Media Timeout.

While Phoenix has found a way to stay competitive in this game, Indiana has countered with continued success from beyond the arc and in the mid-range game to hold a six-point advantage with under six minutes left in the second quarter.

Along with the 21 combined points between Boston and Mitchell, Lexie Hull has contributed 8 points on 3-for-5 shooting and 2-for-3 from deep.

End of First Quarter: Indiana Fever 28, Phoenix Mercury 24

At the end of the first quarter, Indiana holds a four-point lead over Phoenix, with Kelsey Mitchell (11) and Aliyah Boston (8) combining for 19 points.

As a team, Indiana hit six 3-pointers in the opening 10 minutes, which should set them up for success tonight if they can maintain such a scoring touch from deep.

Boston’s return to the lineup has clearly helped the Fever’s frontcourt attack, which was a concern yesterday against Los Angeles.

3:01 1st QTR: Indiana Fever 21, Phoenix Mercury 14

After review, the challenge is successful, and Indiana is awarded possession.

3:01 1st QTR: Indiana Fever 21, Phoenix Mercury 14

Indiana Timeout.

Fever challenged an out-of-bounds call that was ruled a Phoenix possession.

5:57 1st QTR: Indiana Fever 17, Phoenix Mercury 12

Phoenix Timeout.

After a 3-pointer by Lexie Hull expanded the Fever’s lead to seven points, the Mercury elected to call a timeout to calm down their team.

Indiana Fever Starting Five

Indiana Fever injury updates vs. Mercury

According to head coach Stephanie White, Aliyah Boston will be active tonight, while Sophie Cunningham will be playing as long as she feels comfortable on the court.

Notable player warmups

Both Aliyah Boston (probable; right lower leg) and Sophie Cunningham (questionable; back spasms) are participating in warmups before tonight’s game against the Phoenix Mercury.