Kelsey Mitchell‘s recent reflections on Caitlin Clark‘s impact with the Indiana Fever have caught the eyes of fans and unintentionally reignited comparisons with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
The 29-year-old’s remarks, made during The Bird’s Eye View with Sue Bird podcast, offered an honest perspective on Clark‘s influence and leadership within the team environment at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Mitchell noted how Clark, despite arriving as one of the most hyped rookies in WNBA history, managed to balance fame with team unity as she emphasized that the former Iowa star “never tried to make herself bigger than the team or her teammates.”
It underscores a sense of groundedness from the 23-year-old guard that has impressed both colleagues and fans, and supporters quickly responded to Mitchell‘s comments online by heading to X.com, formerly Twitter.
One fan wrote, “So she’s literally the opposite of Angel Reese, who trashed her teammates and then quit?”
Another added, “Wait but I thought Caitlin haters said they were POSITIVE Kels hated her and wanted to go to another team-always making stuff up.”
A third noted, “Might be a message to CC fans… who think CC should take over every damn thing… smh.”
These reactions reflected not only the ongoing fascination with Clark and Reese but also how easily their names become linked in public debates.
What began as Mitchell‘s attempt to describe a positive working relationship has been reframed by some fans as another chapter in the ongoing Clark-Reese rivalry narrative. Regardless, her career perspective provides helpful context for understanding her comments.
Drafted second overall in 2018 after A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell has seen several rebuilds in Indiana and over the years, she played alongside high-profile teammates like Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith.
Yet postseason success remained elusive until 2024 – that year, the arrival of Clark marked a turning point as her combination of scoring, vision, and playmaking helped energize the Fever fan base and drive the team to its first playoff appearance in seven years.
Mitchell, Boston, and Clark formed the nucleus of a promising young core, signaling a shift from rebuilding to genuine contention and according to Mitchell, the rookie’s approach to leadership was refreshingly team-oriented.
She reiterated that Clark‘s presence was about “uplifting the team and her teammates,” challenging the idea that individual stardom must come at the expense of chemistry.
Despite the optimism of the previous season, Clark‘s sophomore campaign in 2025 has been hampered by a series of muscle injuries that limited her to just 13 appearances on the actual court itself.
But even from the sidelines, she has supported her teammates, often serving as an active voice in practices and games. Mitchell noted that Clark‘s energy and positivity remained evident even when she couldn’t contribute on the court.
How did Fever adapt without Caitlin Clark?
The Fever faced an unexpected test this season after losing both Caitlin Clark and Aari McDonald to injuries and now fans have gained insight into how the team adapted and stayed competitive.
Mitchell explained that Indiana used a three-part approach, relying on Aerial Powers, Shey Peddy, and Odyssey Sims to share the responsibilities left by Clark‘s absence.
Their ability to adjust roles and maintain cohesion became central to Indiana‘s late-season push.
“The one thing that I appreciated about Ariel, O (Odyssey Sims), and Shey,” Mitchell added. “Was that whatever program that we, you know, that they saw that we had, they didn’t interrupt it.
“You know, they kind of just complimented it.”
Instead of trying to replicate Clark‘s style, each player leaned into her own strengths. That authenticity helped preserve the team’s chemistry and identity.
The Fever not only secured a playoff berth but also became a legitimate challenger to the Las Vegas Aces, proving that balanced teamwork could sustain success even without their star guard.
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