Indiana Fever veteran credits Caitlin Clark after breakout game

Caitlin Clark was the star of the show for the Indiana Fever on Monday as they defended their home court against the Phoenix Mercury. It was a fiery affair between the two teams, but Indiana ultimately secured a much-needed win, 86-77.

Clark led all scorers with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting. She also added nine assists, three rebounds and three triples in another all-around performance.

Veteran forward Monique Billings also played a pivotal role in the win. The Fever’s offseason recruit had one of her best games with her new team, finishing with 14 points on 4-of-4 shooting, with 10 rebounds, an assist, one steal and a block in 28 minutes of action.

Indiana Fever forward Monique Billings (25) poses for a photo.

Indiana Fever: Monique Billings highlights Caitlin Clark’s role in big game

Billings has started all 16 games she’s played for the Fever so far this season. However, her production has been somewhat modest. The 30-year-old is currently averaging 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per contest.

Billings flipped the script with a breakout performance on Monday, though. She joined Clark on the podium after the game, and Billings was quick to credit her superstar teammate.

“I would just say I had good energy, good hustle,” Billings responded when asked what brought about her big game. “My teammates found me in the pocket.

“[Clark] specifically had some really good passes.”

For her part, Clark had nothing but praise for Billings as she discussed the chemistry she’s built with the 6-foot-4 forward.

“Yeah, I mean obviously it was great,” Clark said. “I got to play with her at Team USA. It’s fast in the WNBA. You don’t get a lot of time to develop with one another, so just really proud of her and how she came out tonight.

“I thought she was diving hard. … She did that really well. She finished through contact, she made free throws, and then she rebounded the ball really well, especially early in the game. She got us a few extra chances when things were not going our way at all.

“I’m just really happy for her.”

The Fever will only go as far as Clark takes them, given how she remains the cornerstone of the squad. However, there’s also no denying that she will need the role players around her to step up and do their respective jobs.

Billings did just that on Wednesday, and she will look to carry that momentum forward.

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