Caitlin Clark's fifth straight double-double helped the Indiana Fever stave off a massive comeback attempt by the Phoenix Mercury, winning 95-86 despite nearly blowing a 31-point lead Friday night.

Against all odds and the Mercy of the Mercury's bench (not to mention Brittney Griner temporarily vanishing like a rare Pokemon), Caitlin Clark's record-setting 13 assists - including amateur-hour magic in one quarter - coupled with a solid offensive front from Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, managed to prevent the metaphorical equivalent of a game Jenga collapse. Somehow, cooler heads and a lucky buzzer beater saved the day, raining on Kahleah Copper’s pyrotechnic fourth quarter with just enough points to move Indiana to a respectable 10-14 record. Spurs-themed march to mediocrity, indeed!

Clark's performance was nothing short of dazzling. Recording 20 points and tying the franchise record with 13 assists, she showcased why she was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. This wasn’t just another game for Clark; it's the fifth straight double-double that has fans and statisticians reaching for the record books. And let's not forget her stellar first quarter, where she set a franchise record with an eye-popping seven assists. Rest assured, the Indiana Fever aren't just playing basketball; they're compiling a highlight reel starring Caitlin Clark.

The Fever didn't have it all their way, though. What seemed like a cakewalk with a 31-point lead almost turned into a nightmare scenario. Enter, Kahleah Copper. The Mercury forward went on a tear, dropping 36 points, with a jaw-dropping 20 of those in the fourth quarter alone. It was a comeback for the ages, a furious rally that turned the comfortable lead into a nail-biting finish. Kudos to Copper for making Phoenix’s game less of a slow burn and more of an inferno.

Adding to Phoenix's woes was the unfortunate exit of Brittney Griner. After colliding with a teammate in the first half, Griner went down clutching her right hip and did not return for the rest of the game. With multiple starters already sidelined due to injuries—including Diana Taurasi (leg), Natasha Cloud (left knee), Charisma Osborne (left lower leg), and Sug Sutton (right hamstring)—Griner's abrupt departure resembled something out of a Murphy's Law manual for basketball teams. At that point, even the temporal gods of basketball seemed to be discriminating against the Mercury.

While Copper was busy turning up the heat, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston were putting out fires for the Fever. Mitchell scored a solid 28 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game. Aliyah Boston, no slouch herself, added 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Not to be outdone, NaLyssa Smith chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds, ensuring that Indiana had enough firepower to keep Phoenix at bay.

Despite the Fever's near-cataclysmic collapse, the team's composure in the final moments was notable. Kelsey Mitchell’s late-game three-pointer, assisted by Caitlin Clark, extended the Fever’s lead to 92-83 and effectively put the game out of reach. It's like they say: when in doubt, just add a bit of Mitchell magic and a dash of Clark charisma.

Caitlin Clark’s contributions have been nothing short of remarkable over the past seven games. She’s been averaging 18.3 points and 11.7 assists, a stat line that would make even the most seasoned veterans nod in approval. Her leadership on the court is evident, from guiding the Fever to a decisive 91-83 win over the Chicago Sky to her orchestrating plays with the finesse of a seasoned conductor. The Fever's improvement is a testament to her impact.

The Fever might not be chart-toppers yet, but their recent performances are catching attention. The rebuilding process for Indiana’s fans has shown promising signs. Who needs instant success when there's potential worth watching?