The Indiana Fever kicked off their preseason with a thrilling overtime win over the Washington Mystics, completing a dramatic comeback that showcased grit, teamwork, and the promise of a new era.

After trailing for most of the game, the Fever stormed back in the second half, forced overtime, and came out on top in a 3-minute extra period to seal the preseason victory. While it’s just a preseason game, the energy, effort, and execution sent a strong message: this team is different.

Slow Start, Strong Finish

The Fever got off to a sluggish start, struggling to find rhythm offensively and falling behind early. The Mystics capitalized on turnovers and defensive lapses, building a double-digit lead. But Indiana didn’t fold.

Led by Aliyah Boston, who anchored the defense and cleaned the glass, and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who provided much-needed playmaking and leadership down the stretch, the Fever chipped away at the deficit.

Their comeback was fueled by better ball movement, improved defensive intensity, and clutch shooting late in the fourth quarter.

Caitlin Clark Shows Poise in Debut

In her unofficial WNBA debut, Caitlin Clark gave fans a taste of what’s to come. While not a statistical explosion, she showed flashes of her elite vision, deep shooting range, and calm under pressure.

“We stayed together, we didn’t panic, and we made the plays that mattered,” Clark said after the game. “It’s just the beginning, but it felt good to compete with this group.”

Her late-game composure helped force overtime, and her presence clearly boosted the confidence of the entire roster.

Overtime Execution: Fever Finish Strong

In the 3-minute overtime period, the Fever locked in. Defensively, they shut down Washington’s top scoring options, and offensively, they ran clean sets and hit timely shots. Every possession mattered—and Indiana looked composed and connected.

Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell both hit key buckets, while the Fever defense forced stops that sealed the game.

Big Takeaways from the Comeback Win

✅ Resilience: Coming back from a double-digit deficit shows a new level of mental toughness.
✅ Team chemistry: Even in preseason, the ball movement and bench energy were strong.
✅ Caitlin Clark’s debut: A promising start with poise, vision, and flashes of leadership.
✅ Defense matters: The Fever’s second-half defense was the difference-maker.

Final Thoughts: A Statement Start

It may have been “just” a preseason game, but the Fever’s overtime win over the Mystics felt bigger than that. It was about setting a tone. About proving that last season’s struggles are in the rearview mirror. About showing fans that this team is built to fight—and built to win.

With a mix of rising stars and motivated veterans, Indiana is looking like a team ready to turn potential into results.