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Caitlin Clark scores a career-high 35 points in the win
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Caitlin Clark scores a career-high 35 points in the win

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INDIANAPOLIS — In a scoring frenzy, the Indiana Fever defeated the Dallas Wings, 110-109, in their final home game of the regular season.

Indiana is now 20-19, securing its most wins in a season since 2015.

Here are three observations:

Fever recovers from the first quarter’s fall

Early in the game, the Dallas Giants outplayed Indiana. Dallas grabbed eight straight rebounds to start the game (including four offensive rebounds) and took a 21-10 lead early in the game. On paper, it was unusual; the playoff-bound Fever were down by double digits to the Wings, who won by single digits and were eliminated from the playoffs.

But when it comes to the Fever and Wings, it’s always a high-scoring game. Their first meeting ended 101-93 in favor of the Wings, and the second was 100-93 in favor of the Fever. Sunday was no different.

Indiana rallied to tie the game in the second quarter and went into the break down by two points, 59-57. It was the most points the Fever had allowed in a half all season, but also the second-most points they had ever scored in a half.

The Fever ultimately lost the rebounding battle, but still began to control the game in the fourth quarter, thanks to a career-high day from freshman Caitlin Clark. Her 110 points ended up being the most they’ve scored in a game this season.

On the biggest day of her career, Caitlin Clark sets a rookie scoring record

Another record has been shattered at the hands of Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.

Just one game after setting the WNBA single-season assists record with 316 (and counting), Clark’s 20th point of the season set the scoring record for a rookie. That was an 18-year-old record, set by former No. 1 overall pick Seimone Augustus in 2006.

And Clark did it the same way he set the Division I college scoring record: a 3-pointer.

In her first year as a pro, Clark has proven to be an excellent passer and scorer, something not many players are capable of doing. She can find her teammates on long-distance or behind-the-back passes and still find unique ways to score, forcing opponents to pick their poison.

Fever takes the number 6 spot

With one game remaining in the regular season, the Fever officially secured their sixth playoff spot. The win against Dallas was their 20th of the season.

The Phoenix Mercury, the team chasing them for a playoff spot, currently have a record of 17-20. With three games remaining for Phoenix, they can only get up to 20 wins (maximum), and Indiana holds the playoff tiebreaker.

Indiana is likely to play either the Minnesota Lynx or Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs. Connecticut is currently in third place, but the two teams are one game apart atop the standings and will meet on Tuesday.

How many points did Caitlin Clark score against the Wings?

Clark scored a career-high 35 points on 10-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-14 from 3-point range. He added eight assists and three rebounds.

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