Kelsey Mitchell has long been a steady hand for the Indiana Fever, but this season she has taken on a starring role that many expected would belong to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. On Friday night, her teammates made sure the spotlight was firmly on her.
The Fever entered their matchup against the Minnesota Lynx wearing shirts emblazoned with “Kelsey Mitchell MVP,” a gesture that spoke volumes about her impact during a difficult season.
The show of support came just days after Mitchell exploded for a career-high 38 points to lead Indiana to a stunning overtime comeback win against the Connecticut Sun.
“I love the people I play with,” Mitchell said afterward. “And, to know that they would go out of their way to make something like that happen for me, it means a lot. They make me feel like I’m important to them and vice versa. That value means everything to me.”
Mitchell shines as Fever fight through adversity
Even with the Fever’s roster stretched thin by injuries, Mitchell continued to carry the load against Minnesota. The Lynx, owners of the league’s top-ranked defense, threw constant pressure her way, but the lefty guard still finished with a team-high 27 points and five assists.
She nearly willed Indiana to another improbable comeback. With the Fever trailing by double digits late in the fourth quarter, Aliyah Boston mounted a quick scoring run, capitalizing on Mitchell‘s playmaking as the veteran shifted into facilitator mode. But despite their late push, the Fever ultimately fell short in a 95-90 loss.
Mitchell‘s ability to adapt and lead has not gone unnoticed. Her career night against Connecticut sparked an outpouring of praise from around the league, with Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Aliyah Boston and Sydney Colson all voicing support for her MVP case. The WNBA also rewarded her form, naming her Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
While Indiana’s playoff hopes have been dented by an unforgiving injury list, Mitchell has emerged as both the emotional and on-court anchor for the team. She has shouldered point guard duties when needed, provided consistent scoring, and given her teammates belief even in the most difficult stretches.
The Fever may have walked away without the win on Friday, but for Mitchell, the recognition from both her teammates and the wider basketball community underscored what has become her defining season.
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