The Indiana Fever delivered a statement win on Sunday, September 7, 2025, routing the Washington Mystics 94-65 in Baltimore and clinching a coveted spot in the WNBA playoffs. This victory, which marked the Mystics’ final home game of the regular season, was a showcase of the Fever’s resilience and depth, especially given their injury-riddled roster.
With this triumph, Indiana improved to 23-20 and secured a postseason berth for the second year running, a feat made all the more impressive by the absence of five key players. Among those sidelined is 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, who’s been out with a groin injury. The Fever’s ability to adapt and thrive despite these setbacks has become one of the league’s most compelling stories.
Natasha Howard led the charge for Indiana, pouring in 17 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting night and grabbing four rebounds. Howard’s performance set the tone early and provided the steady hand the Fever needed as they navigated a back-and-forth opening half. She wasn’t alone, though—Indiana’s balanced attack saw five players finish in double figures, a testament to the team’s depth and unselfish play.
Aliyah Boston was a force in the paint, notching a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Her presence on both ends of the floor anchored Indiana’s effort, as she pulled down key boards and facilitated the offense. Aerial Powers came off the bench to deliver 15 crucial points and six rebounds, while Shey Peddy added 13 points, including a pair of momentum-shifting three-pointers. The veteran guard’s sharpshooting proved pivotal, especially late in the first half and again in the closing minutes.
For Washington, rookie Sonia Citron was the standout performer. She tallied 17 points on an impressive 6-of-9 shooting clip, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. In a season already filled with milestones, Citron etched her name into the Mystics’ record books by setting a new franchise single-season scoring record. Her 644 points on the year surpassed the previous mark of 636 set by Brittney Sykes just last season. Citron’s breakout campaign has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Mystics.
Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen each chipped in 11 points for Washington, but the home team struggled to find offensive rhythm and was plagued by turnovers throughout the contest. In total, the Mystics committed 21 turnovers, which the Fever converted into a whopping 27 points. That, more than anything, proved to be the difference in a game that slipped away from Washington as it wore on.
"We just didn’t take care of the ball tonight, and against a team like Indiana, that’s going to cost you," Mystics head coach lamented after the game. The Fever’s aggressive defense and opportunistic transition play made them pay for nearly every mistake.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, featuring six lead changes and seven ties. It wasn’t until Shey Peddy knocked down a three-pointer with 3:21 left in the second quarter that Indiana seized a 37-34 advantage—one they would never relinquish. The Fever closed the half with a burst of energy, building a 45-38 lead at intermission.
Coming out of the break, Indiana wasted little time extending its cushion. Kelsey Mitchell, who finished with 10 points, sliced through the defense for a driving layup early in the third quarter, pushing the lead to double digits. From there, the Fever’s offense clicked on all cylinders, and their suffocating defense forced Washington into rushed shots and errant passes.
Indiana’s efficiency was on full display. The Fever shot a robust 51.4% from the field (36-of-70) and knocked down 9-of-19 attempts from three-point range. Their ball movement was crisp and purposeful, resulting in 21 assists to just six turnovers—a remarkably low figure that underscored their discipline and poise.
Meanwhile, the Mystics’ offense sputtered. Washington managed just 25-of-57 shooting (43.9%) and struggled from long range, converting only 4-of-14 from deep. Their 21 turnovers were particularly damaging, as the Fever capitalized time and again in transition. Despite outrebounding Indiana 40-36, the Mystics simply couldn’t overcome their mistakes.
The sellout crowd in Baltimore—Washington’s 43rd consecutive home sellout dating back to the 2023 season—tried to will their team back into the contest. But every time the Mystics threatened a rally, Indiana had an answer. Shey Peddy’s three-pointer with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 88-58, matching the Fever’s largest margin of the game and putting the result beyond doubt.
For the Fever, this win was about more than just clinching a playoff spot. It was a validation of their next-player-up mentality and the collective grit that’s defined their season. "We’ve faced a lot of adversity, but this group just keeps fighting. I’m so proud of how everyone stepped up," said Natasha Howard after the game, according to the Associated Press.
As the regular season winds down, both teams now turn their attention to Tuesday’s finale. The Fever will host the Minnesota Lynx, looking to build momentum heading into the postseason. The Mystics, meanwhile, travel to New York to face the Liberty, hoping to end their campaign on a high note despite missing out on the playoffs.
For Washington, this loss stings, but there are silver linings to be found—most notably in the emergence of Sonia Citron as a bona fide star for the future. Her record-setting season is a testament to her growth and the promise she brings to the franchise moving forward.
As for Indiana, the story of their season continues to be one of resilience and teamwork. With the playoffs now within reach, the Fever have shown they can weather storms and still emerge as contenders. The journey isn’t over yet, but Sunday’s performance was a clear reminder: underestimate Indiana at your own risk.
