Aari McDonald (Fever vs Mercury) erupts for a career-high 27 points and Aliyah Boston dominates the fourth quarter in Indiana’s thrilling 107–101 win over Phoenix. Missing Caitlin Clark the Fever win their third straight game. Stats, broadcast info, player profiles & upcoming schedule.
🏟 Fever vs Mercury Recap
On July 30, 2025, the Indiana Fever (15–12) beat the Phoenix Mercury (16–10) 107–101 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Phoenix jumped to a 30–20 first-quarter lead but Indiana stormed back with a 35-point second quarter to take control. Despite efforts from Alyssa Thomas (32 pts, 15 reb, 7 ast) and Kahleah Copper (22 pts) for Phoenix, Fever veterans led by McDonald and Boston sealed the comeback.
🌟 Standout Performers
Aari McDonald
Off the hardship exception and making her return, McDonald scored a career-high 27 points, shooting 7‑for‑11, hitting 3‑for‑3 from deep, and going 10‑for‑10 from the line. She added 4 assists and 2 steals, proving instantly impactful.
Aliyah Boston
Recorded her fourth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, scoring 17 in the fourth quarter alone including Indiana’s first 14 points of that period to flip the game late.
Kelsey Mitchell was held to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting, breaking her 26-game double-digit streak. Sophie Cunningham and Damiris Dantas added complementary contributions with 12 points each.
🔍 Tactical & Statistical Breakdown
- Fever dominated the second quarter with a 13–0 run to erase a 12-point deficit.
- Indiana forced 19 Mercury turnovers converting for 25 points.
- Phoenix held a one-three lead but shot just 36% in the third and surrendered their advantage.
- McDonald’s aggressive drives unlocked the defense, drawing fouls and freeing teammates.
🧭 Broader Team Context
- Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a right groin injury and is day-to-day, with the Fever now 7–7 without her this season.
- Sophie Cunningham traded from Phoenix earlier this year, faced her former team for the first time and scored 12 points showing her transition to Indiana is seamless.
dropped a season-high 107 on ’em.#NowYouKnow pic.twitter.com/TS2NqjqAEJ
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 31, 2025
📺 Where to Watch & Broadcast Info
Tonight’s game aired nationally on ESPN3 with local coverage and streaming via WNBA League Pass. Attendance reached 17,274 continuing Fever’s strong home support from their Caitlin Clark led season.
🗓 Next Games & Schedule Implications
Indiana opens a four-game road trip on August 1 against the Dallas Wings (7:30 p.m. ET on ION) followed by a matchup with Seattle.
This win marks their third straight victory climbing them into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.