In a thrilling WNBA preseason showdown, the Indiana Fever pulled off a dramatic 94-89 overtime victory over the Washington Mystics, with key performances from rising stars and new veterans making this a game to remember.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

The game opened with both teams trading baskets, with the Mystics jumping out to an early lead thanks to strong inside play from Shakira Austin and sharpshooting from Ariel Atkins. Their high-tempo offense and physical defense kept Indiana on its heels in the first quarter, as the Mystics led 25–19.

The Fever fought back in the second quarter behind NaLyssa Smith, who showed off her expanded midrange game and dominated the boards. The teams went into halftime nearly even, with the Mystics clinging to a narrow 43–41 lead.

Sophie Cunningham Ignites in the Second Half

The third quarter belonged to Sophie Cunningham, Indiana’s newest veteran presence. Cunningham lit up the Mystics with back-to-back three-pointers, aggressive drives, and relentless hustle, scoring 14 of her game-high 21 points in the second half.

She also grabbed 8 rebounds, drew a flagrant foul, and brought a physical edge that shifted the game’s momentum. Her fierce energy caused tension with several Mystics players, but it also sparked Indiana’s comeback.

Fourth Quarter Drama and Overtime Heroics

The Fever trailed by as many as 10 points in the fourth, but they refused to back down. Grace Berger stepped up with clutch shooting off the bench, while Aliyah Boston anchored the defense in crunch time.

A huge corner three by Kelsey Mitchell tied the game at 81–81 with under 20 seconds to go, sending the matchup into overtime.

In the extra period, it was all Indiana. The Fever outscored the Mystics 13–8 in OT, with key buckets from Cunningham and a huge putback from Smith. The Mystics struggled to find offensive rhythm under pressure and were held scoreless in the final minute.

Final Score: Fever 94, Mystics 89 (OT)

Top Performers:

Sophie Cunningham (Fever): 21 PTS, 8 REB, 3 3PM

NaLyssa Smith (Fever): 17 PTS, 10 REB

Shakira Austin (Mystics): 16 PTS, 6 REB

Ariel Atkins (Mystics): 18 PTS, 4 AST

What This Game Means

Though it’s preseason, this game showed the growing chemistry and depth of the Indiana Fever roster, especially as Caitlin Clark watched from the bench due to rest. Cunningham’s leadership and grit may prove to be the missing piece for a young team looking to break into playoff contention.

For the Mystics, the game exposed some concerns about late-game execution and perimeter defense — both areas to tighten up before the regular season.