McDonald Scores Career-High 27 as Short-Handed Fever Top Mercury for Third Straight Win
In an impressive display of resilience and rising talent, the Indiana Fever extended their winning streak to three games with a 91-84 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Fever leaned on the standout performance of guard Aari McDonald, who delivered a career-high 27 points to lead her team.
McDonald, acquired in the offseason to add depth and energy off the bench, stepped up in a big way, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and knocking down three 3-pointers. Her aggressive playmaking and relentless pace kept the Mercury on their heels throughout the game.
“Aari was phenomenal tonight,” Fever coach Christie Sides said postgame. “She’s been putting in the work, and it’s showing. With players out, we needed someone to step up—and she did that and more.”
Indiana entered the game without starters NaLyssa Smith and Lexie Hull, forcing a rotation shakeup that gave more minutes to bench players. The entire team responded, with Aliyah Boston adding 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell contributed 18 points and 5 assists.
The Mercury, led by Brittney Griner’s 22 points and Kahleah Copper’s 19, kept the game close into the fourth quarter. However, the Fever’s balanced offense and timely defense proved too much down the stretch. A key 8–0 run midway through the final period, sparked by McDonald’s fast-break layup and back-to-back jumpers, sealed the game.
With the win, the Fever improve to 12-13 on the season, continuing their midseason surge and climbing the playoff standings. The victory is a testament to the team’s depth and grit, and with McDonald hitting her stride, Indiana may have found another star in the making.
