Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever delivered a historic performance in a recent game against the Connecticut Sun, scoring 38 points and leading her team to a comeback victory, sparking renewed calls for her consideration in the WNBA MVP race.
The Fever, already missing key players Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald, and Sydney Colson, faced additional adversity when Sophie Cunningham was also sidelined during the game. Despite these setbacks, Mitchell stepped up, orchestrating a franchise-record 21-point comeback. This remarkable feat highlighted her importance to the team and fueled the discussion about her MVP candidacy.
Mitchell's 38-point performance was not just a personal best for the season, but it also cemented her place in Fever history. She surpassed Tamika Catchings for the most career 30-point games in franchise history, with a total of 11. This accomplishment underscores her consistency and scoring prowess throughout her WNBA career.
Fans and analysts alike took to social media to express their admiration for Mitchell's performance and to advocate for her MVP consideration. Many fans reacted to the team's X post, emphatically declaring Mitchell as the "MVP" and expressing gratitude for her leadership in holding the team together.
Aliyah Boston, Mitchell's teammate, also shared her pride and respect, capturing the emotion of the moment with a heartfelt reaction on Instagram. Boston posted an image of Mitchell with the words "ALL-STAR" across the screen, underscoring Mitchell's deserving spot on the 2025 WNBA All-Star roster. Mitchell is a three-time WNBA All-Star, with appearances in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Mitchell's journey in the WNBA has been marked by consistent improvement and leadership. Drafted second overall by the Fever in 2018, she quickly established herself as a key scorer. In 2023, she was awarded the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award, recognizing her impact both on and off the court.
This season, Mitchell is averaging 19.3 points per game and has scored in double figures in every appearance. She recently surpassed 4,200 career points, becoming one of the fastest guards in WNBA history to reach that milestone. Her well-rounded game, characterized by three-point shooting, decision-making, and on-ball defense, has made her one of the most complete guards in the league.
While the Indiana Fever have shown flashes of brilliance, injuries to key players, including Caitlin Clark, have presented challenges. Clark has been sidelined with a groin injury since July 15, with no firm timeline for her return. In Clark's absence, Mitchell has stepped up to lead the team's offense.
Fever coach Stephanie White acknowledged Clark's absence and its impact on the team. White remains hopeful for Clark's return before the end of the season, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing her long-term health. "That's the hope," White said, regarding Clark's return. "The hope is that she's back".
The Fever's recent performance has been inconsistent, with the team dropping four of their last five games. This slump has caused them to fall to seventh in the WNBA standings, making every remaining game crucial for their playoff hopes.
Despite the team's challenges, Mitchell's standout performances have provided a bright spot and a source of optimism for Fever fans. Her historic game against the Sun not only showcased her individual talent but also highlighted her ability to elevate her team in the face of adversity. As the season progresses, the WNBA community will be closely watching to see if Mitchell's contributions will be enough to earn her the MVP award and lead the Fever to a playoff berth.