Caitlin Clark haters got some additional ammo as Fever win again without their star guard

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White is asked about GOP lawmakers' letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about Caitlin Clark.

PHOENIX – The Caitlin Clark haters got some additional ammunition on Thursday night as the Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 92-89 to move to 4-0 without Clark this season.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 29 points, including a go-ahead layup with 10 seconds left, to lead all scorers. Aliyah Boston returned from injury and scored 21 points. Rookie Raven Johnson saw extended minutes with Clark sidelined but only managed to score 6 points in the star's absence.

Sophie Cunningham, who produced perhaps the most viral moment of the WNBA season when the Mercury and Fever met on June 22, hit two clutch free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

FEVER COACH STEPHANIE WHITE DODGES QUESTION ON GOP LETTER ABOUT CAITLIN CLARK’S TREATMENT IN WNBA

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Alyssa Thomas, who was suspended for one game for a Flagrant 2 foul on Clark when the two teams met on June 24, scored 22 points in the loss.

The Fever ruled Clark out for Thursday night's game against Phoenix despite the guard playing 16 minutes on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Sparks and saying afterward that her "body feels great."

Stephanie White said prior to Wednesday's game that Clark and Boston would split the back-to-back, with Clark active against Los Angeles and Boston active against Phoenix.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark signs autographs for fans before a game against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center.