Caitlin Clark wasted no time sending a message in Fever's latest win

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Caitlin Clark wasted no time sending a message in Fever's latest win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark didn't need long to remind everyone why she's one of the most dangerous players in the WNBA. Just seconds into Saturday's Commissioner's Cup matchup against the Connecticut Sun, the Indiana Fever star started firing. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Clark had delivered another standout performance, helping Indiana secure an 85-75 road victory at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Fever improved to 8-5 on the season and extended their winning streak to three games, while Connecticut fell to 2-13. Clark finished with a game-high 25 points, five assists and three rebounds while knocking down five 3-pointers. The stat line was impressive on its own, but it was the way she set the tone from the opening minutes that stood out most.

After Connecticut jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, Clark immediately answered. She drilled a deep step-back 3-pointer, then followed it with a driving layup less than 30 seconds later to put Indiana in front. It was an early warning sign for the Sun, who struggled to contain her throughout the afternoon.

Clark sets the pace early​

The Fever offense looked sharp from the opening tip. Indiana scored 30 points in the first quarter and shot nearly 50 percent from the field for the game. Clark's aggressive approach helped establish that rhythm, as she consistently attacked in transition and created opportunities both for herself and her teammates.

The former Iowa star finished 10-of-17 from the floor and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. Even when Connecticut attempted to pressure her defensively, Clark continued to find ways to impact the game. Her stat line wasn't perfect. Clark committed six turnovers, and Indiana finished with 19 as a team. But the Fever more than compensated with efficient shooting, strong rebounding and timely shot-making.

Fever's frontcourt delivers major support​

Clark wasn't the only Indiana player who made a significant impact. Aliyah Boston recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, giving the Fever another double-double and continuing her strong season. Boston also knocked down a 3-pointer early in the game as Indiana built momentum.

Monique Billings added 10 points and eight rebounds while providing a major presence on both ends of the floor. Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 19 points and five assists, giving Indiana three players in double figures among its starting group.

Off the bench, Sophie Cunningham provided an instant spark with 11 points in just 18 minutes. She knocked down three of her four attempts from 3-point range and helped the Fever maintain control whenever Connecticut threatened to make a run.

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Indiana continues building momentum​

While the Sun stayed competitive for stretches, Indiana controlled much of the game. The Fever led for 78 percent of the contest and built an 11-point advantage at their largest lead. Connecticut received solid performances from Leila Lacan, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Brittney Griner, but the Sun never found a consistent answer for Indiana's offensive firepower.

For the Fever, Saturday's victory was another encouraging sign as the team continues to climb the Eastern Conference standings. And once again, it all started with Clark. Before the game had even reached its first media timeout, she had already announced her presence. By the end of the afternoon, she had delivered another reminder of why Indiana remains one of the league's most dangerous teams whenever its superstar point guard is playing with confidence.

The message was sent early. The Sun never recovered.

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• A rookie star is changing everything for the WNBA's No. 1 team
• Cheryl Reeve's latest Coach of the Year buzz comes down to one surprising factor
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