Mystics Can’t Escape the Heat in Fever’s OT Preseason Victory

The Indiana Fever kicked off the 2025 WNBA preseason with a hard-fought 79-74 overtime win against the Washington Mystics on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

After trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half, Indiana found life in the second quarter behind a surge from Sophie Cunningham, who finished with a team-high 21 points. Her scoring helped ignite a 17-5 Fever run to close the half, trimming the Mystics’ lead to five at the break.

Aliyah Boston, who opened the game with a three-pointer, put Indiana ahead late in the third quarter with a key assist on a layup by Cunningham. The two teams traded baskets throughout a tense fourth quarter, capped by Cunningham’s clutch free throws with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game at 71.

In overtime, rookie Makayla Timpson scored her first professional points to open the period, and newcomer Jaelyn Brown added a key bucket to seal the win. Indiana outscored Washington 8-3 in the extra session, aided by strong rebounding and defensive stops.

Lexie Hull added 13 points and five rebounds, while Natasha Howard posted 11 points and eight boards in her Fever debut. Indiana dominated the glass with a 47-41 edge and made 27 of 28 free throws (96.4%).

Fever star guard Caitlin Clark did not play due to a left leg injury.

Washington’s injuries included guard Georgia Amoore, who suffered a right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Tuesday’s practice; forward Aaliyah Edwards, who was out due to a low back contusion; and center forward/center Shakira Austin, who was listed with a right leg injury.

Brittney Sykes led the Mystics with 18 points. Sonia Citron scored 15 points and pulled down four rebounds, while Stefanie Dolson added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Up next, the Fever head to Iowa City to face the Brazil National Team on Sunday, May 4, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. It will be a homecoming for Clark at her alma mater, Iowa, when she steps foot into Carver-Hawkeye Arena.