Kelsey Mitchell’s 24 points led the Indiana Fever to an impressive 85-76 win over the Washington Mystics in a game that showcased the continued growth and development of a young but increasingly confident Fever squad. With this victory, the Fever improved to 3-4 on the season, while the Mystics dropped to 3-5 in a contest that was competitive throughout but ultimately swung in Indiana’s favor thanks to sharp shooting, timely defense, and the poise of Mitchell, who once again proved her value as a cornerstone of this franchise. The story of the night centered around Mitchell’s smooth offensive rhythm and her ability to control the pace of the game when it mattered most. She scored 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. She also added 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, showing her two-way capability and leadership from the backcourt. Every time Washington threatened to cut into Indiana’s lead or string together a comeback, Mitchell answered with a key bucket or defensive play. Her performance anchored a Fever offense that found contributions across the board.

Aliyah Boston, the reigning Rookie of the Year, delivered a steady and effective performance with 10 points and 4 assists. Though not a dominant night by her standards, Boston’s impact was felt on both ends of the floor. Her passing out of the post helped generate open shots, and her composure allowed the Fever to keep their spacing intact against an aggressive Washington defense. Boston’s chemistry with Mitchell continues to grow, forming a tandem that the team will rely on for years to come. Meanwhile, the Fever’s supporting cast stepped up to ensure the win, with DeWanna Bonner adding 9 points and 2 rebounds in a game where her veteran presence helped stabilize the younger players. Although Bonner is typically a more prolific scorer, her willingness to defer and play within the flow of the offense was key to Indiana maintaining balance. Her leadership was invaluable, particularly during stretches when Washington threatened to seize momentum.

The Mystics were led by a strong performance from Brittney Sykes, who tallied 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal in a spirited effort. Sykes attacked the rim with purpose and tried to spark the Mystics with her relentless energy on both ends of the floor. She repeatedly drove into the paint, drawing contact and keeping the Fever defenders on their heels. Sykes’ ability to make plays in transition and defend multiple positions showcased why she remains one of the more versatile players in the league. Washington also received an outstanding performance from rookie Kiki Iriafen, who nearly posted a double-double with 20 points and 9 rebounds on an incredible 9-of-11 shooting night. Iriafen’s footwork and touch around the basket were on full display, and she was arguably the most efficient player on the floor. She established position early, moved well off the ball, and capitalized on high-percentage looks inside. Her emergence continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Mystics.

Another standout for Washington was Sonia Citron, who contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds. Her hustle and activity on the glass helped Washington stay competitive, particularly during the second and third quarters when the game became a back-and-forth affair. Citron hit a couple of key shots that briefly shifted momentum, but Indiana always had an answer. Shakira Austin chipped in 10 points and 3 rebounds, providing Washington with size and athleticism in the paint, but she had a hard time matching Indiana’s interior ball movement and rotations. Though her scoring was a welcome addition, the Mystics were unable to capitalize on her inside presence consistently.

The game started with both teams trading baskets in a fast-paced first quarter. Mitchell came out aggressive, knocking down early threes and setting the tone offensively. The Fever quickly found their rhythm from the perimeter, with Mitchell’s deep shooting complemented by solid ball movement and unselfish play. Washington responded with inside scoring from Iriafen and hustle plays from Sykes, keeping the score close. By halftime, Indiana had built a slight edge, using their perimeter shooting and improved rebounding to gain control. The third quarter saw the Fever extend their lead slightly, fueled by their defense, which began to limit Washington’s second-chance opportunities. Boston’s presence in the middle forced Washington to settle for more contested mid-range shots, and Indiana’s guards did a better job closing out on perimeter shooters. Mitchell continued to be the engine, pushing the pace when opportunities arose and pulling up for timely threes that disrupted any potential runs by the Mystics.

In the fourth quarter, Washington made one last push. Sykes and Citron combined for a flurry of baskets that brought the Mystics within striking distance. But just as they had all game, the Fever responded with composure and clutch shooting. NaLyssa Smith and Erica Wheeler, while not headliners on the stat sheet, made key plays that helped seal the game—whether it was drawing fouls, making the extra pass, or rotating quickly on defense to prevent easy looks. One of the major differences in the game was Indiana’s efficiency from three-point range. They hit 8-of-18 from beyond the arc, compared to Washington’s 3-of-14. That difference in outside shooting proved crucial, especially given how closely matched the teams were in terms of points in the paint and second-chance scoring. The Fever also won the turnover battle, committing fewer mistakes and converting Mystics turnovers into points with greater frequency.

Rebounding was another factor, with Indiana crashing the boards more effectively in the second half. Though Iriafen led all players with 9 rebounds, Indiana collectively boxed out and hustled on the glass, limiting Washington’s second-chance scoring. Those gritty plays helped protect their lead and shift momentum when Washington seemed poised for a comeback. Defensively, the Fever displayed improved communication and discipline, particularly in how they rotated and closed out shooters. They were able to force Washington into late shot-clock situations multiple times, disrupting the flow of the Mystics’ offense and making it hard for them to establish consistent rhythm in half-court sets.

This win marked an important step forward for the Indiana Fever, a team that has faced scrutiny and pressure to accelerate its rebuild. With three wins under their belt, they now have tangible evidence of their progress. The emergence of Mitchell as a consistent leader, combined with Boston’s all-around impact and improved team cohesion, suggests this group is learning how to win close games. While far from a finished product, this version of the Fever plays with more maturity and confidence, traits that are starting to translate into results. For the Mystics, the loss is a frustrating one, especially considering the standout performances from Sykes and Iriafen. They have shown flashes of being a dangerous team, particularly when their offense is flowing and their defense is disruptive. But inconsistency, particularly in execution during key stretches, continues to plague them. They will need to find more reliable offensive options and greater defensive communication if they hope to steady their record and climb the standings.

Still, the game provided plenty of positives for both squads. The Fever’s balanced scoring and defensive tenacity are clearly trending upward, and Washington’s young players, especially Iriafen and Citron, showed they are ready to contribute at a high level. As the WNBA season unfolds, performances like this suggest that parity is growing across the league, with more teams capable of pushing each other on any given night. For Indiana, this win could be a launching pad. With Mitchell in top form and Boston continuing to anchor the frontcourt, the Fever have a foundation to build on. The next challenge will be consistency—stringing wins together and sustaining the defensive energy that allowed them to pull away from Washington.

The Mystics, meanwhile, will look to bounce back by addressing their perimeter shooting and tightening up their rotations. They have the talent to compete, but as seen in this game, even strong individual performances can be overshadowed if the collective effort falters. With Iriafen developing rapidly and Sykes playing like a leader, the pieces are there. Execution, however, remains the key. In the end, the night belonged to Kelsey Mitchell, who once again proved why she’s one of the league’s premier scorers. Her ability to rise in big moments and carry her team sets the tone for the Fever, who will look to ride this momentum into their next matchup. For fans of Indiana, this win was more than just a tally in the standings—it was a sign of a young team learning how to win, led by a veteran guard who continues to write her legacy one clutch performance at a time.