The Indiana Fever's promising season hit a snag on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with an 88-77 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. The defeat, which saw the Fever fall to a 6-6 record, was particularly stinging, drawing sharp criticism from within the team itself. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell didn't mince words, calling the team's performance "soft" and highlighting a lack of aggression that ultimately cost them the game.
Mitchell's comments reflect a growing concern for the Fever as they navigate the challenges of a demanding WNBA season. While the team boasts exciting talent, including rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, Mitchell's pointed remarks suggest a need for greater team-wide resilience and a more physical approach to the game. She emphasized that the issue wasn't about any one player, but rather a collective failure to meet the necessary intensity level. "Overall, it's not about Caitlin [Clark] specifically. I thought it was about our entire group. We were soft," Mitchell stated, underscoring the need for every player to step up and contribute with more toughness.
The game against the Valkyries, a WNBA expansion team, exposed vulnerabilities in the Fever's defense and their ability to maintain consistency throughout all four quarters. After a strong start, leading by as many as 13 points, the Fever struggled to contain the Valkyries' offense, particularly in the decisive fourth quarter, where they were outscored 33-18. The Valkyries' balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures, further highlighted the Fever's defensive lapses and inability to close out the game.
Several factors contributed to the Fever's disappointing performance. The game marked their third contest in six days, following a high-intensity matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Playing without head coach Stephanie White and facing a sold-out, energized crowd in San Francisco, the Fever appeared to lack the energy and focus needed to maintain their lead. Turnovers also proved costly, as the Valkyries capitalized on the Fever's mistakes, winning the turnover battle 17-7.
Despite the defeat, there were some positive takeaways for the Fever. Aliyah Boston continued her strong play, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds. Her performance also marked a milestone in her career. However, even Boston's efforts weren't enough to overcome the team's overall struggles. Caitlin Clark, in her Bay Area debut, faced a tough night, scoring 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting.
Looking ahead, the Fever face a crucial test against the Las Vegas Aces on June 22. This game presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their resilience and address the issues raised by Mitchell. As the WNBA season approaches its midpoint, the Fever's ability to respond to adversity and elevate their level of play will be critical in determining their playoff aspirations. Mitchell's call for more aggression and toughness serves as a challenge to the entire team to embrace a more physical and determined approach as they strive to become consistent playoff contenders.
