The Indiana Fever’s impressive five-game winning streak has come to an end.

In their matchup on Friday, Caitlin Clark and the Fever fought back from a double-digit deficit against the Minnesota Lynx, but fell short, losing 99-88 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark led her team with 25 points, shooting 8-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, along with contributing eight rebounds and eight assists, narrowly missing her third triple-double of the season.

The match was more competitive than the final score suggests.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Fever were down by 12 points after a tough third quarter, but they rallied and closed the gap to just one point with 4:03 left in the game, thanks to a three-pointer from Kelsey Mitchell. The Lynx, however, responded decisively, finishing the game with an 18-8 run, marking the Fever’s first loss since August 24.

Clark began the game slowly, missing her first three attempts before finding her rhythm with a jumper late in the first quarter. She scored 17 of her 25 points in the first half, and the Fever walked into halftime with a slight edge at 50-45. At the break, Clark expressed the need for improved defense, remarking, “45 points is a lot.”

The Lynx, on the other hand, executed their strategy effectively during the third quarter, outpacing Indiana 29-12, which gave them a 12-point advantage going into the final quarter. The Fever started to close the gap but ultimately could not maintain momentum, allowing the Lynx to secure a comfortable lead.

Napheesa Collier highlighted the Lynx’s focus on “maintaining strong defense” to withstand the Fever’s scoring runs. “They are a really strong offensive team, and it’s crucial for us to play solid defense and contain their key players,” she noted, especially in response to the Fever scoring 50 points by halftime.

Collier, who flaunted her gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, led the Lynx with a high of 26 points, alongside 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Other notable contributions included Bridget Carleton with 16 points and Courtney Williams with 15.

Three players from the Fever scored over 20 points: Clark (25), Kelsey Mitchell (23), and Aliyah Boston (20). This trio contributed a remarkable 68 of the Fever’s 88 total points. Earlier this week, the Fever secured their first playoff spot since 2016.