Clark gets fifth straight double-double, Fever finish off Mercury

AP PHOTO - Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives past Phoenix Mercury’s Celeste Taylor (12) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday in Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS — Kelsey Mitchell scored 28 points, Caitlin Clark had 20 points and 13 assists for her fifth straight double-double and the Indiana Fever beat the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 95-86 on Friday.
Kahleah Copper scored 20 of her 36 points in the fourth quarter as the Mercury (12-11) trimmed what had been a 31-point third-quarter deficit to single digits.
Mitchell gave Indiana (10-14) an 81-50 lead with 1:55 left in the third quarter before the Mercury scored the next 17 to get with in 81-67 on Sophie Cunningham’s 3-pointer. Copper converted a shot in the lane with 5:02 left to get Phoenix within 85-76.
Clark tied the franchise record with her 13th assist on a cross-court pass to Mitchell for a 3-pointer and a 92-83 lead with 1:33 left.
Phoenix’s comeback came without center Brittney Griner, who collided with a teammate in the first half and did not return due to a right hip injury. The Mercury were already without starters Diana Taurasi (leg) and Natasha Cloud (knee).
Copper scored 23 of her 36 points in the final 20 minutes.
Aliyah Boston added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana while NaLyssa Smith added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Cunningham added 21 points for Phoenix.