WNBA Team Mocks Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever After Blowout Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On Thursday night, the Indiana Fever suffered a crushing 95-60 defeat against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center, marking their second consecutive loss and their 14th of the season. The blowout loss dropped the Fever to a 17-14 record, halting their momentum after a five-game winning streak.
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Again without star guard Caitlin Clark who has been sidelined by a right groin injury since July 15, the Fever struggled to find their rhythm on offense all night long, shooting just 37% from the field. The Mercury, on the other hand, outscored Indiana 52-28 in the second half to earn their 19th win of season.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Heated Game for Sophie Cunningham, DeWanna Bonner
Tensions flared as former Mercury wing Sophie Cunningham and ex-Fever forward DeWanna Bonner brought extra intensity to the matchup.
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Cunningham, traded to Indiana in the offseason, faced boos from Phoenix fans. However, she managed to finish the night with a season-high 18 points with five threes, and was visibly fired up against her former team.
Bonner, waived by Indiana in June after nine games, was equally motivated, contributing a team-high 23 points along with 17 points off the bench for Phoenix. Their personal stakes added a layer of drama to an already lopsided contest.
Phoenix Mercury Mock Indiana Fever After Blowout Win
Following the win, the Phoenix Mercury wasted no time poking fun at their opponent. Indiana’s season motto, “Now you know,” became the target of a sarcastic X post from Phoenix:
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“Now I know what?… like I’m confused.”
The Mercury, in front of an energized home crowd, were dominant from start to finish, exploiting Indiana’s defense, which allowed 50 points in the paint. Aside Bonner, Phoenix had help from Alyssa Thomas, who had an impressive triple-double performance, finishing the night with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Satou Sabally (15 points, eight rebounds) and Kahleah Copper (11 points, six rebounds) added to the stat sheet.
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The Fever’s Aliyah Boston managed 14 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter Phoenix’s relentless attack. Aari McDonald, filling in for Clark, struggled, scoring just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting.
The win was significant for the Mercury as it marked their first triumph over the Fever in a long while. Prior to Thursday, Phoenix had lost six straight games against Indiana, including a 107-101 loss on July 30. Both teams will have the chance to renew their brewing rivalry on Sep. 2, a game that could have significant postseason implications.
The Fever will return to action against the 8-22 Chicago Sky, hoping to return to winning ways. As for the 4th-seeded Mercury, they will face the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream for a chance to move up in the WNBA standings.
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Related: WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Names Caitlin Clark’s Perfect Indiana Fever Teammate
Related: Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Makes Request to WNBA After Receiving Punishment
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
