The Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted last night as the Indiana Fever achieved a monumental victory over the previously undefeated New York Liberty, halting their impressive 9-0 start to the season with a resounding 102-88 triumph. While the narrative was undeniably dominated by Caitlin Clark’s sensational return to the court and her individual brilliance, the collective performance of the Indiana Fever’s entire squad in setting a new franchise record with 17 three-pointers made was equally, if not more, indicative of their growing offensive prowess and their potential to become a formidable force in the WNBA.
Coming into the game, the Liberty were a juggernaut, playing with the confidence and precision of reigning champions. Their undefeated record was a testament to their balanced attack, stingy defense, and star power led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. The Fever, on the other hand, had endured a mixed start to the season, partly due to the absence of their rookie sensation, Caitlin Clark, who had missed five games with a quad strain. The stage was set for a classic clash: the league’s dominant force against a hungry team welcoming back its catalyst.
From the outset, it was clear the Fever had a different game plan, one that maximized the impact of their perimeter shooting. While Clark’s seven made three-pointers (on 14 attempts) were a significant driving force behind the record, this was truly a collective effort that showcased the depth of Indiana’s shooting talent. Players like Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, and Damiris Dantas all contributed to the historic tally, demonstrating the team’s commitment to stretching the floor and capitalizing on open looks.
The game started with the Liberty jumping out to an early 17-6 lead, seemingly poised to continue their dominant run. However, a turning point came swiftly, ignited by none other than Caitlin Clark. She drilled three consecutive three-pointers in a breathtaking 38-second span in the first quarter, quickly cutting into the Liberty’s lead and sending a clear message: the Fever were not just participating; they were here to compete and shoot. These were not easy shots either – several came from well beyond the WNBA arc, showcasing her trademark limitless range. This initial flurry of triples was a significant psychological blow to the Liberty and an immediate injection of confidence for Indiana.
By halftime, the Fever had already connected on eight three-pointers, with Clark leading the charge with six of them, contributing to her 25 first-half points. This volume and accuracy from deep allowed Indiana to take a narrow 53-50 lead into the locker room, defying expectations against the undefeated champions.
The third quarter proved to be decisive for the Fever’s record-breaking night. After the Liberty briefly regained the lead with a 9-0 run to start the second half, the Fever responded with an astonishing 19-0 run of their own. During this critical stretch, the three-point shot remained their primary weapon. Clark added another crucial triple, and her teammates stepped up to bury more. Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, Sydney Colson, and Damiris Dantas all contributed to the barrage, showcasing the collective’s ability to find and convert open looks created by Clark’s gravity and the team’s improved offensive movement. The ball was moving, players were finding space, and the shots were falling with remarkable consistency.
By the end of the third quarter, the Fever had amassed an impressive 14 three-pointers, putting the franchise record within reach. They entered the final period with an 80-71 lead, and the focus sharpened on both securing the win and etching their names into the franchise’s history books.
In the fourth quarter, the Fever continued their long-range assault. Kelsey Mitchell, a consistent scoring threat, hit a vital three, while Sydney Colson added another. The record-breaking 17th three-pointer came from Sophie Cunningham, sealing the achievement and sparking further celebration from the home crowd. The final tally of 17 made threes on 35 attempts translated to an impressive 48.6% accuracy from downtown, a testament to not just volume but efficiency. This was the first time this season Indiana reached the triple-digit mark in scoring, further highlighting the offensive explosion.
The collective nature of this record is particularly significant. While Caitlin Clark’s presence undoubtedly opens up the floor and draws multiple defenders, allowing her teammates more space, the execution of those open looks by multiple players speaks volumes about the team’s growth. It demonstrates improved ball movement, better offensive schemes, and increased confidence from the entire roster in their ability to shoot the long ball. This kind of balanced perimeter threat makes the Fever incredibly difficult to defend, as teams can no longer solely focus on stopping Clark.
For Head Coach Christie Sides and her staff, this record is a validation of their offensive philosophy. In today’s WNBA, three-point shooting is a critical component of successful offenses, and the Fever are clearly embracing this trend. Developing a roster that can consistently knock down shots from deep provides the spacing necessary for Aliyah Boston to operate effectively in the paint and for guards like Clark and Mitchell to drive and create.
The victory itself was monumental. Handing the undefeated Liberty their first loss of the season, especially in such a convincing fashion, sent a clear message to the rest of the league. It showcased the Fever’s potential when healthy and playing with synergy. It transformed their record to 5-5, bringing them back to .500 and injecting much-needed momentum into their season.
In summary, the Indiana Fever’s franchise record of 17 three-pointers made against the New York Liberty was a landmark achievement that underscored their evolving offensive identity. Led by Caitlin Clark’s explosive return and her own seven triples, the collective effort from multiple players demonstrated the team’s improved shooting depth and strategic commitment to the long ball. This record, set in a critical victory that ended the Liberty’s undefeated streak, marks a significant moment for the Fever, signaling their growing prowess and injecting fresh excitement into the competitive landscape of the WNBA.
