Kelsey Mitchell Shines Bright in Caitlin Clark’s Absence, Leads Indiana Fever to Thrilling 94-86 Victory Over Dallas Wings

On a warm June evening in Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever faced off against the Dallas Wings in a matchup that many expected would be a test of resilience, strategy, and sheer willpower. Missing their rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, sidelined due to a minor ankle injury, the Fever turned to their veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell—and she delivered in spectacular fashion. In a scintillating performance, Mitchell poured in 32 points on 65% shooting from the field, dished out 7 assists, and led Indiana to a thrilling 94-86 win in front of a buzzing home crowd.

Caitlin Clark’s presence on the court has been nothing short of transformative for the Fever this season. Her vision, scoring instincts, and magnetic charisma have rejuvenated a franchise looking to climb back into playoff contention. So, when news broke that Clark would be sitting out, it sent ripples through Gainbridge Fieldhouse and beyond. The question on everyone’s mind: could the Fever find their rhythm and intensity without their young star?

Kelsey Mitchell answered that question almost immediately.

From the opening tip, the 5’8” guard, now in her seventh WNBA season, looked determined to take control of the game. Known for her quick first step, confident shot-making, and veteran leadership, Mitchell embraced the spotlight with poise.

The Fever started aggressively, pushing the pace and applying defensive pressure early. Mitchell opened the scoring with a smooth pull-up jumper from the right elbow. A few possessions later, she drained a deep three off a screen, signaling that she was ready to carry the offensive load.

Despite Dallas countering with their own star in Arike Ogunbowale, Indiana maintained momentum. NaLyssa Smith, the powerful forward who has become a consistent double-double threat, dominated the paint with her rebounding and inside scoring. Kristy Wallace hit timely perimeter shots, and Aliyah Boston provided interior stability, deterring Dallas’s attempts to attack the rim.

By halftime, Mitchell had already racked up 18 points and 4 assists, and the Fever held a 48-41 lead. The crowd, initially subdued by Clark’s absence, had fully bought in. Chants of “Let’s go Fever!” echoed through the arena as Mitchell exited the court at the break with a fist pump.

Dallas, to their credit, came out swinging in the third quarter. Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally led a charge that cut Indiana’s lead to just two points midway through the frame. Ogunbowale, one of the league’s top scorers, went on a personal 7-0 run that electrified the Wings bench and forced a Fever timeout.

That’s when Mitchell reasserted herself.

She came out of the break with an ice-cold demeanor, calmly sinking another three from the left wing, then slicing through defenders for an and-one layup. Her efficiency was staggering—she shot 13-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three. But it wasn’t just the scoring; her decision-making in pick-and-roll situations and her ability to find open shooters made her the engine of the offense.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Mitchell said postgame. “Even without Caitlin, we believed in each other. That’s the culture we’re building here.”

The final quarter was a back-and-forth slugfest. Dallas continued to press, but Indiana never wavered. With the Wings threatening to take the lead at the five-minute mark, it was Mitchell again who stepped up—finding Smith on a dive cut for a layup, then hitting a contested jumper over two defenders to push the lead back to six.

In the final two minutes, Mitchell’s leadership was on full display. She orchestrated the offense with precision, bleeding the clock and ensuring every possession counted. After drawing a foul with 1:12 left, she calmly sank both free throws, effectively sealing the game.

Mitchell finished with 32 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. It was one of the most complete performances of her career and arguably the most impactful game of the Fever’s 2025 campaign so far.

While Mitchell was the star, the victory was a team effort. NaLyssa Smith contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, Aliyah Boston added 14 points and 8 boards, and Erica Wheeler came off the bench to provide energy and steady ball-handling.

“We’re a deep team,” said head coach Christie Sides. “People always want to talk about Caitlin—and rightfully so—but this locker room is full of players who are ready for the moment. Tonight, Kelsey was spectacular. But everyone contributed. That’s how we’re going to win in this league.”

Indeed, the win was a reminder that Indiana is building something sustainable. While Clark’s stardom is undeniable, the foundation being laid by veterans like Mitchell, Smith, and Boston ensures that the Fever are not a one-player team.

The victory moved Indiana to 7-9 on the season and, more importantly, showcased their ability to compete without their marquee player. It marked a turning point for Mitchell as well. Often overshadowed by newer names and larger markets, her performance demanded national attention.

After the game, Mitchell was asked about being underappreciated in the WNBA conversation.

“I don’t worry about the noise,” she replied. “I’ve been doing this for a long time. I know what I bring. Nights like this, it just feels good to remind people.”

With a renewed sense of identity and a statement win under their belt, the Fever now turn their eyes to the next stretch of the season. Clark is expected to return soon, but the message is clear: this team can win—with or without her.

Despite Clark’s absence, the Fever faithful showed up in force. Over 12,000 fans packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, many wearing Clark jerseys but staying to cheer on every Mitchell bucket with equal intensity. The energy was electric, and by the final buzzer, the entire crowd was on its feet.

“Caitlin’s brought a new wave of fans to our building,” said Mitchell. “And tonight, we gave them something to cheer for.”

Social media lit up as well. “Kelsey Mitchell masterclass” trended nationally, with players and fans alike praising her for stepping up when it mattered most.

The Fever will face a tough road trip ahead, including matchups against Las Vegas and New York. But the momentum from this win could be the spark they need.

If Clark returns at full strength and Mitchell continues this level of play, Indiana could become a nightmare matchup come playoff time. Add in the consistent growth of Boston and Smith, and the Fever’s future suddenly looks a lot brighter.

For now, though, the night belongs to Kelsey Mitchell.

• Kelsey Mitchell: 32 pts (13-20 FG, 4-6 3PT), 7 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL
• NaLyssa Smith: 18 pts, 11 REB
• Aliyah Boston: 14 pts, 8 REB
• Indiana FG%: 54%
• Team Assists: 22
• Fever Record: 7-9

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