The Indiana Fever extended their winning streak to four games without Caitlin Clark by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 92-89 on Thursday. Kelsey Mitchell led the scoring with 29 points and delivered the decisive go-ahead layup with 10 seconds remaining, whilst Aliyah Boston contributed 21 points after returning from her injury.

The Fever's sustained performance during Clark's absence has become a focal point in ongoing discussions about the guard's value to the team and her position within professional basketball. The victory is being noted as evidence by those who question Clark's centrality to the franchise's success, though the team's overall competitive standing remains subject to broader commentary.