In the face of a brutal injury crisis, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has become both the emotional and competitive anchor of her team. Her recent tribute to Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined, offered a rare glimpse into the toll the season has taken.
“We gotta laugh to keep from crying,” Mitchell said postgame, her voice cracking as she addressed the team’s growing list of injuries and the void left by their star rookie.
The Fever’s 92-70 blowout win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday night may look like domination on paper, but the team’s resilience tells a deeper story. In a light-hearted moment, Clark playfully booed Coach Stephanie White for calling a timeout as teammate Damiris Dantas lined up for a three.
But when the incident was brought up after the game, Mitchell’s demeanor shifted from laughter to raw honesty. “Losing Syd was big, losing Aari was big, and not having CC is even bigger,” she said, referencing the recent season-ending injuries to guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald, along with Clark’s ongoing groin strain.
Veteran leadership in season of setbacks
The Fever now find themselves without a healthy point guard. Clark’s return remains uncertain, with coach White offering no timeline. Yet, it’s in this adversity that Mitchell has stepped up, commanding the offense and shouldering the leadership role.
Against the Sky, she set the tone early with sharp passes to Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston, scored 26 points, and ensured the Fever never surrendered their early lead.
Earlier in the season, Mitchell had publicly supported Clark’s recovery, saying, “I want the 100 percent Caitlin,” showing patience and deep respect. That leadership has carried over onto the court. Even without their star, Mitchell’s performance helped the team secure crucial wins and remain competitive in a tightening playoff race.
Though sidelined, Clark’s presence still looms large by offering emotional support, humor, and energy from the bench. She’s embraced by the team not just as a star, but as a “captain” in spirit. With veterans like Mitchell and Howard rallying the group, the Fever continue to fight through adversity.
As long as Mitchell is on the floor, Indiana refuses to fold.
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