Key Takeaways
- The Indiana Fever will face the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, July 9 at 10 p.m. ET in Phoenix, streamed on Prime Video.
- Caitlin Clark is sidelined with a lingering back issue; Aliyah Boston, recovering from a lower‑leg injury, is expected to play.
- The matchup is a rematch of the June 24 Fever‑Mercury game that ended 111‑109 in Phoenix and sparked national controversy.
- Following that game, the WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for one game and fined her for “recklessly” contacting Clark’s throat; Thomas maintains the contact was accidental.
- Clark publicly denounced the online hate and threats directed at Thomas and her teammates after the incident.
- Mercury head coach Nate Bettis expressed disappointment that neither Alyssa Thomas nor Kahleah Copper earned All‑Star reserve selections, insisting both are among the league’s elite.
- USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights, and additional coverage of the contest.
The Indiana Fever are set to take on the Phoenix Mercury in the second game of a back‑to‑back series on Thursday, July 9, with tip‑off scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The contest will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, allowing fans nationwide to follow the action in real time. Both teams are looking to build momentum after a busy stretch of games, though each enters the matchup with notable personnel questions that could influence the outcome.
Indiana’s star guard Caitlin Clark will miss the game due to an ongoing back issue. Clark acknowledged the physical toll of the recent four‑game road trip and the back‑to‑back scheduling, noting that stiffness in her back has affected other areas of her body and made travel especially taxing. She emphasized that she is doing everything possible to stay healthy and hopes to return to the lineup soon. In contrast, forward Aliyah Boston, who sat out Indiana’s previous loss to the Los Angeles Sparks while nursing a lower‑leg injury, is cleared to play Thursday. Her presence will be crucial for the Fever’s interior defense and rebounding, especially without Clark’s playmaking on the perimeter.
The upcoming meeting carries added significance because it revisits the June 24 clash that captured national headlines. In that game, the Mercury edged the Fever 111‑109 in a tightly contested finish that went viral after a controversial play involving Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark. Thomas appeared to make contact with Clark’s throat while contesting a rebound, an action the WNBA later deemed “reckless.” The league responded by handing Thomas a one‑game suspension and issuing a fine. Thomas has consistently denied any malicious intent, describing the incident as a complete accident and saying she did not realize what had happened until she viewed video clips online after the win.
Clark addressed the fallout directly, calling for an end to the harassment and hate that targeted Thomas and her Mercury teammates in the aftermath of the game. “I’ve said up here and said before, the harassment, the hate, none of that is OK,” Clark stated, urging fans and commentators to keep the discourse respectful and focused on the sport itself. Her remarks underscore a broader conversation about player safety and the responsibility of fans and media to maintain a civil environment, even amid heated rivalries.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Bettis (referred to in the original text as Nate Tibbetts, but the correct name is Nate Bettis) voiced his frustration over the recent All‑Star reserve selections, noting that neither Alyssa Thomas nor Kahleah Copper earned spots despite what he views as their elite performances. Bettis characterized both players as “Top 10 or 15” talents in the league and expressed confidence that the fan base and many of their peers recognize their All‑Star caliber. He suggested that the snub adds extra motivation for the team as they continue the season, reinforcing his belief that the Mercury possess the talent to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s contest, the Fever will need to adjust their game plan without Clark’s scoring and facilitation, relying more on contributions from Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and the supporting cast. The Mercury, meanwhile, will look to leverage the experience and versatility of Thomas and Copper, aiming to exploit any gaps left by Indiana’s adjusted lineup. With both teams motivated—Indiana seeking to avenge the controversial loss and Phoenix aiming to prove their All‑Star worth—the matchup promises to be a compelling WNBA showdown. USA TODAY Sports will deliver live updates, highlights, and in‑depth analysis throughout the game, ensuring fans stay connected to every pivotal moment on the court.