The Indiana Fever started their preseason schedule on a winning note after escaping the Washington Mystics in overtime, 79-74, on Saturday.
The Fever bucked the absence of star guard Caitlin Clark, who sat out the affair due to a left leg injury. She was listed as questionable before tip-off.
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Indiana was led by a pair of players coming off the bench. Newly acquired guard Sophie Cunningham tallied 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting and eight rebounds, while fourth-year guard Lexie Hull added all-around norms of 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Fever are looking to sustain their momentum from their solid campaign last year, making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. For this season, they have embraced a bold mantra: “Now you know.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to a call during a preseason game against the Washington Mystics.Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For WNBA commentator Ryan Ruocco, it’s the perfect tag for the fiery squad.
“I love the Fever leaning all the way into their popularity and not being ashamed of it or shy about it,” said Ruocco in an interview with Front Office Sports. “This is the reality of the situation.
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“As someone who is boots on the ground, so to speak, at these arenas and witnessing what Caitlin brings and what we’ve seen at Fever games from over the last year, and what we’re expecting this year, this is the reality.”
Ruocco, who’s been with ESPN since 2008, added that Clark’s fanbase “expands” wherever she goes, which should only bode well for Indiana. The team sold out almost every road game last season.
Meanwhile, Fever coach Stephanie White expressed optimism that the 23-year-old guard could suit up in their preseason game against Brazil’s national team on Sunday.
It’s a special homecoming for Clark as the game will be played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, her old stomping ground while she starred for Iowa.
Related: Fans Have Similar Reactions to New Video of Caitlin Clark, Fever Teammate
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