Caitlin Clark sinks game-winning three to secure Indiana Fever win
Caitlin Clark hit a dramatic three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining to give the Indiana Fever a 78-76 victory over the Washington Mystics in the US capital on Monday night.
The 24-year-old star found herself completely unmarked following an inbound pass from Sophie Cunningham to drain the decisive shot from beyond the logo.
It provided a signature moment for the guard after a turbulent start to her third WNBA campaign.
Navigating early season struggles
Indiana travelled to Washington’s CareFirst Arena holding a perfectly balanced 5-5 record.
The talismanic playmaker has faced intense online scrutiny recently, exacerbated by a feisty sideline exchange with head coach Stephanie White.
She was also enduring a challenging shooting spell despite consistently filling the broader statistical categories.
“I think sometimes we take great players, and certainly generational talent, for granted,” White said following the triumph.
“What she did was incredible for us. She’s going to have many more moments like that.”
Redemption in a chaotic final minute
The Indiana guard initially looked to have cost her team the game during a frantic finish to the fourth quarter.
The late drama included several rapid momentum swings:
- The Fever star missed two crucial free throws with just 36 seconds remaining.
- She quickly recovered to assist Kelsey Mitchell in transition and reclaim the lead.
- Washington’s Sonia Citron sank two free throws with 4.3 seconds left to put the Mystics 76-75 ahead.
- Cotie McMahon narrowly missed a final-second steal, leaving the visitor wide open for the decisive strike.
‘My hands got a little clammy’
“You better make this, because I missed my free throws,” the match-winner admitted thinking as the final inbound pass approached.
“Cotie almost got a fingertip on it. Honestly probably the most wide-open shot I had all night.”
Teammate Lexie Hull watched from the opposite corner as the dramatic winner found the net to silence the home crowd.
“I have complete confidence that it’s going to go in, but to see it go in and put us in the lead, that was one of the biggest moments we’ve had this season.”
Lexie Hull, Indiana Fever guard