Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever stood on business against the Minnesota Lynx, 96-77, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday to remain in the hunt for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Fever improved to 28-15, moving a game behind the Atlanta Dream for the fourth spot.
Clark had an all-around showing with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and four steals. She shot 9-of-18 from the field.
The Lynx tried to rough her up, but Clark did not back down. In the postgame conference, she said embracing contact is a “mentality.”
“If they're gonna be physical, I'm gonna be physical right back with you. I think at times I probably look pretty skinny, but I have a little strength here and there, I guess,” said the three-time All-Star in the video posted by The Athletic's James Boyd.
Article Continues BelowMore from #Fever star Caitlin Clark on playing through contact:
“I think it’s a mentality.”
“If they’re gonna be physical, I’m gonna be physical right back with you. I think at times I probably look pretty skinny, but I have a little strength here and there I guess.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/zNeW7X7uKd
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 23, 2026
The 24-year-old Clark said she has learned to improve her stance, gravity, and balance to avoid getting knocked off easily by physical defenders. She knows that she will have to fight through heavier contact in the playoffs.
Boyd noted that Clark is shooting a career-high 6.4 free throws per game this season.
She is no stranger to hard fouls, as she has been defended aggressively since her rookie year, even prompting coach Stephanie White to call the attention of the WNBA to it.
Clark had plenty of help against the Lynx. Mitchell notched her 27th consecutive game with at least 20 points and added three rebounds and four assists, while Aliyah Boston tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Fever and the Lynx will have a rematch on Thursday at Target Center to close out the regular season.