As the Indiana Fever push for playoff positioning, sports analyst Jason Whitlock has weighed in on the growing partnership between Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
With Indiana currently sitting sixth in the standings at 14-12, the two guards have become the driving force behind the team’s offense and hopes for a deep postseason run.
The Fever‘s current record mirrors last year’s trajectory, when they clinched the sixth seed in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs. But Whitlock believes this year’s team has the pieces to aim higher, especially with Clark and Mitchell sharing the backcourt.
“Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell could be a magical, championship combination as long as Clark tames her inner Allen Iverson,” Whitlock wrote on X. “She needs to be Isiah Thomas — a winner more than a scorer.”
Whitlock says Clark’s growth could unlock Indiana’s ceiling
Whitlock‘s comparison sparked conversation among fans, especially his reference to Allen Iverson. While Clark has quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, Whitlock believes that leaning too heavily into her offensive output could limit Indiana’s overall success.
By drawing a parallel to Isiah Thomas, the Hall of Fame point guard known for blending scoring with playmaking and leadership, Whitlock suggests Clark’s evolution into a more balanced floor general could be the key to unlocking the Fever’s full potential.
There’s little question about Clark‘s ability to carry an offense. Her range, pace, and court vision have already made her one of the WNBA’s most-watched players.
But with Mitchell alongside her, Indiana has a second elite scorer capable of breaking down defenses. If the two can fully complement each other, the Fever’s backcourt could quickly become one of the league’s most dangerous duos.
Indiana’s offense has already shown flashes of what that balance can look like. When Clark distributes effectively and Mitchell finds her rhythm, the Fever have been able to go toe-to-toe with top-tier opponents.
Whitlock‘s comments reflect the belief that this pairing can be more than a playoff-caliber tandem, they can be championship-level if the chemistry continues to develop.
For now, Indiana’s focus remains on solidifying their postseason position. But with Clark and Mitchell leading the way, the Fever‘s long-term ceiling could be far higher than simply sneaking into the bracket.
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