Mystics stomp Fever as race for WNBA playoff seeding heats up: Highlights

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Mystics stomp Fever as race for WNBA playoff seeding heats up: Highlights

Heather Burns and Meghan L. Hall, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sun, Sep 20, 2026 ·

16 min read

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The Washington Mystics rolled past the Indiana Fever with a 93-77 win , Sunday, Sept. 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana polis. And, Washington more than helped itself as the WNBA playoff seeding race heats up.

The Mystics had four players in double figures, and 10 players who scored overall. Kiki Iriafen (21 points, 14 rebounds) and Shakira Austin (20 points, 10 rebounds) led the way, with both players securing double-doubles. Sonia Citron was right behind with 16 points and nine assists. As a team, Washington shot 57% from the field while holding Indiana to 37% shooting. The Mystics also won the paint battle 50-38 and dropped nine triples beyond the arc.

"(We) just allowed our defense to travel, especially on the road here. I think we really were in sync," Austin said postgame. "We know what our principles are; we know where we want to go out there and try to do and stop them from executing. So, just everyone being on the same page and trying to execute for 40 minutes."

It was not a great day for the Fever on both ends of the floor. Outside of the third quarter, Indiana largely struggled to keep up, unable to get out of the quarter court and get stops. Every time it was mildly close (under a 15-point lead), Washington would pour on more points, and the Fever turned the ball over. Caitlin Clark (25 points) and Kelsey Mitchell (22 points) did their best to help, but Washington was too much. The Mystics came out of Gainbridge, where the Fever had only lost six games all year, with a win.

"It's actually crazy because I feel like this pressure felt no different than it has all year round. We've been in these situations where maybe it's a tight game or not … but our defense always travels, and defense is literally going to win games, especially the way we rebound. I think defense and rebounding will (win games) when you get to the playoffs eventually," Mystics guard Georgia Amoore said.

"So I think we're kind of accustomed to this, whether or not it was intentional, but we focus on it every single game. We don't get too far ahead of ourselves, and some of us play like we're down the whole game."

USA TODAY Sports provided full coverage of Sunday's game between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever . Scroll below for highlights:

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Caitlin Clark returns from Team USA gold as Fever begin playoff push

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are back in action after the FIBA break, opening the WNBA's final stretch with a matchup against the Toronto Tempo.

Above, Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Julie Allemand #22 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Julie Allemand #22 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Ornella Bankole #33 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever goes to the basket against the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever shoots against Isabelle Harrison #21 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives against Julie Allemand #22 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Laura Juskaite #2 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever goes to the basket against Isabelle Harrison #21 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Tyasha Harris #52 of the Indiana Fever shoots against Isabelle Harrison #21 of the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against the Toronto Tempo during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Kiki Rice #1 of the Toronto Tempo dribbles against Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up before playing the Toronto Tempo at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
(Dan Hamilton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Indiana Fever forward Monique Billings (25) warms up before playing the Toronto Tempo at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
(Dan Hamilton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever arrives before playing the Toronto Tempo in their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever arrives before playing the Toronto Tempo in their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever of the Indiana Fever arrives before playing the Toronto Tempo in their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever arrives before playing the Toronto Tempo in their WNBA basketball game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on September 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Mark Blinch, Getty Images)

Mystics Shakria Austin exits matchup versus Fever

Shakria Austin exited Sunday's matchup versus the Fever at the 3:47 mark. She was trying to capture a loose ball and was slow to get up following the back-and-forth on the floor. Austin limped to the other side of the court following the scramble for the basketball and was pulled from the game. Austin finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Fever's Kelsey Mitchell sees 20-point streak continue

Kelsey Mitchell nailed a 3-pointer with five minutes remaining, and now she has 20 points. Her 20-point day makes it 26 straight contests of Mitchell scoring 20 or more points, a WNBA record. Mitchell's triple also helped her secure a new record.

She's now the sixth player in WNBA history to record 800 career three-pointers.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley hypes up Fever guard Raven Johnson

Watch Mystics guard Georgia Amoore drain her third 3-pointer vs. Fever

Fever's Aliyah Boston is still in foul trouble vs. the Mystics

Aliyah Boston picked up her fifth foul barely a minute into the fourth quarter. It's been a rough day for Boston, who has just five points on 40% shooting. The Fever center does have four assists and three rebounds.

End of 3Q: Mystics 77, Fever 61

The Fever found their offense in the third quarter, outscoring Washington 31-26. They finally got shots to fall by picking up the pace and forcing the Mystics to play faster than they wanted. Indiana's defense also finally showed up to give its offense a chance. Much of that charge was led by Caitlin Clark, who has 25 points, three assists, two steals and a block.

Still, Washington has not stopped scoring. They have answered nearly every Fever bucket, and still lead the contest by 16 points. Washington is still shooting 57% from the field to Indiana's 34. They have three players in double figures, including Kiki Iriafen with 17.

So many whistles in Fever vs. Mystics

There have been *checks notes* 33 fouls in the Fever and Mystics games. Washington has 20. Indiana has 13. There's still an entire quarter left to play.

Fever get Mystics lead under 15

The Indiana Fever have whittled away the Washington Mystics' once 26-point lead to 14. Caitlin Clark now has 20 points, and it's 62-48 at the 4:50 mark of the third. Kelsey Mitchell is right behind her with 15 points.

NBA stars pull up to watch Fever vs. Mystics

Indiana Pacers players Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith and Quenton Jackson are all in the building at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch the Fever host the Mystics.

Fever open 2nd quarter with a 12-8 run vs. Mystics

The Fever have already scored more points in the first four minutes of the third quarter (12) than they did in the second quarter (11). The Fever trotted out Clark-Mitchell-Johnson-Timpson-Boston to begin the third, and that jump-started their defensive pressure and scoring. It's 59-42 with 6:35 left in the third.

Something to keep an eye on: Boston has four fouls, and the Fever only have one timeout remaining. They used nearly all of them in the first half.

Halftime: Mystics 51, Fever 30

The Mystics are steamrolling the Fever right now on both ends of the floor. The Fever went 2-for-19 from the floor in the second quarter and are now shooting 24%. That is not a typo. Indiana also gave up over 50 points to Washington and let Washington shoot 64.7% during the first half. Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark have combined for 24 of Indiana's 30 points. Mitchell leads all scorers with 13 points. Clark has 11 points and only one assist.

One might think turnovers are causing the Fever's issues, but they just have five. Washington has forced Indiana to play in the quarter court, and it's working. So many shots have hit the back iron.

For Washington, nearly every player who has been on the court has scored, save one. That's eight different players with points. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen lead the way with 11 points each.

Fever have gone 5 minutes without scoring

At the 7:49 mark of the second quarter, Kelsey Mitchell scored. The Fever did not score again until the 2:34 mark. It was Mitchell, again. She made two free throws.

Fever's defense not helping; Mystics lead up to 20

Listen, there is not much going right for Indiana right now. The lead is 20 as the Mystics lead 43-23 with 4:13 remaining before the half. Indiana is shooting 29% from the field to Washington's 67%. The Fever cannot get a shot to fall, and are also getting cooked defensively. The Mystics lead the points in the paint, 24-10.

Credit should also go to Washington's defense. It's been so good.

Fever's Raven Johnson trying to help vs. Mystics

Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson caused two quick fouls on Washington by scrambling for offensive rebounds. That's something to keep an eye on. Johnson has been a short burst of energy for Indiana.

Fever still struggling vs. Mystics as lead blooms to nearly 20

The Fever are *checks notes* down to 33% shooting from the field, and so many shots have hit the rim. It's 38-19, Washington.

However, Kelsey Mitchell just rattled off a four-point play at the 7:49 mark to cut the lead to 38-23. We'll see if that gets the Fever going. Mitchell and Caitlin Clark have combined for 17 of the Fever's 23 points.

End of 1Q: Mystics 34, Fever 19

The Washington Mystics pretty much got whatever they wanted in the first quarter as they cruised up to a 15-point lead on the Indiana Fever. Washington played with pace and space and solid defense to slow the Fever down. The Mystics shot a blistering 74% from the field, while the Fever shot just 39%. Eight different Washington players scored.

Caitlin Clark has been doing much of the heavy lifting for the Fever; she leads all scoring with nine points.

Caitlin Clark gets Fever's first 3-pointer to drop versus Mystics

It took nearly eight minutes, but Caitlin Clark got the Fever's first 3-ball to fall. It was, of course, off her signature stepback move. Rest easy, Fever fans.

Mystics build a 10-plus-point lead vs. Fever

It's 22-11 with 3:15 remaining in the first quarter, and Washington is already up double digits against Indiana. The scoring of the Mystics forced Fever coach Stephanie White to take a timeout. Mystics have six assists on nine made baskets.

Fever miss first five 3-pointers vs. Mystics

It doesn't happen often, but the Fever are cold from 3-point range right now. Indiana has missed its first five attempts.

Fever's Kelsey Mitchell celebrated for new WNBA scoring record

Mystics have a hot start vs. Fever, raining 3-pointers

The Washington Mystics already have four 3-pointers before the halfway point of the first quarter. The Mystics lead 16-8 at the 5:25 mark of the period.

Fever vs. Mystics is underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

The Fever and Mystics are off and running in Indiana. Washington has the game's first five points. Georgia Amoore drained a 3-ball and Shakira Austin finished at the cup for a 5-0 lead early.

Washington Mystics starters vs. Fever

Indiana Fever starters vs. Mystics

Breanna Stewart moves up WNBA's all-time scoring list

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is now eighth on the WNBA's all-time scoring list. She now has 6,812 career points and counting after surpassing Cappie Pondexter (6,811).

Mystics warming up ahead of matchup vs. Fever

Caitlin Clark to wear new colorway of Nike signature shoes vs. Mystics

Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has no shortage of colorways for her Nike signature shoe, the Caitlin 1. Clark is debuting a fierce new version, called "Sea of Red", against the Mystics.

The Kansas City Chiefs might have inspired the colors. "The Indianapolis Colts are my second-favorite team, but you know who my No. 1 is. (I'm) hoping for a close game, but you know who I want to win," Clark said on the way out of pregame media availability Sunday. The Colts take on the Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC).

WNBA and Sparks legend Lisa Leslie to recieve statue in Los Angeles

On Sunday, Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie's statue will be unveiled in Los Angeles.

"That statue will be unveiled on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Crypto.com Arena with a ceremony in the Star Plaza. Regardless of how the bronze carving looks, Leslie's ever-growing women's basketball legacy was already apparent," USA TODAY's Callie Fin writes.

Here's more on Leslie's impact .

When do the WNBA playoffs start? Here's the answer

The 2026 WNBA playoffs start on Sunday, Sept. 27, with all eight teams playing in a best-of-three series. The WNBA semifinals start Sunday, Oct. 4. The semifinal round will be a best-of-five series. This year's WNBA Finals is a best-of-seven series which begins on Saturday, Oct. 17.Here's the first-round schedule:

*if necessary

Sunday, Sept. 27
- Game 1: 2 p.m. ET, ABC
- Game 1: 4 p.m. ET, ABC
- Game 1: Time TBD, Prime
- Game 1: 9 p.m. ET, USA
Tuesday, Sept. 29
- Game 2: Time TBD, USA
- Game 2: Time TBD, Prime
Wednesday, Sept. 30
- Game 2: Time TBD, ESPN
- Game 2: Time TBD, ESPN
Thursday, Oct. 1
- Game 3*: Time TBD, ESPNGame 3*: Time TBD, USA
Friday, Oct. 2
- Game 3*: Time TBD, ESPN2
- Game 3*: Time TBD, Prime

Fever star Caitlin Clark shows off black colorway of Nike signature shoes

Fever happy to be back in Indiana vs. Mystics

Watch Mystics practice for game vs. Fever

Fever forward Makayla Timpson is all smiles for her birthday

Mystics arrive for game vs. Fever

Fever vs. Mystics prediction

The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics split the season series before Sunday's matchup. On May 15, Washington won 104-102 in overtime. Indiana returned the favor on June 8, winning 78-76. Who comes out victorious Sunday?

It's hard to say, but the Fever are on a three-game winning streak and could make it four. I'm predicting they win another close one, 91-87. ― Meghan Hall

Mystics status reports vs. Fever

Fever status report vs. Mystics

Photos from Mystics' latest win vs Chicago Sky

Fever look stylish ahead of Mystics matchup on Sunday

Olivia Miles breaks Caitlin Clark's WNBA rookie scoring record

Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles broke Fever guard Caitlin Clark's scoring record (769 points in 40 games) on Sunday. She now has 771 points and counting. Clark's record, which has stood since 2024, was also broken in 40 games.

Mystics center Shakira Austin having historic WNBA season

As of Sept. 17, Washington center Shakira Austin now owns the team's single-season scoring record (677 points). Austin's 677 points helped her become the seventh center in WNBA history to record 670 points or more in a season.

Washington Mystics playing great defense, hope to continue vs Fever

On Sept. 17, the Mystics got a 110-80 win over the Chicago Sky. It was the 19th time this season Washington has held a team to 80 points or less. The record is the second highest in the WNBA, behind Golden State .