​The Indiana Fever rebounded from a disappointing 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 92-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday. With star point guard Caitlin Clark sidelined to manage a lingering back issue, her frontcourt counterpart and All-Star running mate, Kelsey Mitchell, carried the load and delivered a signature performance. Mitchell finished the game with eight assists and 29 points, and she supplied a crucial go-ahead layup with just over 10 seconds left in regulation, sealing the win for Indiana.
In the aftermath, Fever head coach Stephanie White spoke glowingly about Mitchell’s performance and her all-around impact on the game. “You know, she’s one of one. She’s the fastest player in the league with the ball in her hand,” White said. “Her ability to get downhill is always great, but she’s also able to stop and change direction on a dime. She can gear down and then explode again, rather than just staying at one speed. She plays with balance and has the vision to find teammates. I thought the kick-out to Ty Harris after Ty knocked down that big three was huge. When she could have tried to go one-on-one, she saw the floor and executed, which shows how fast the game can feel for her while she makes it look effortless. I believe the game slowed down for her in a way that makes her an even more deadly playmaker.”
White continued, “She puts us on her back. She really does. And she scores even when defenders are hanging on her. She can get open while they swarm her, and her endurance is incredible. We rely heavily on her, and I’m thankful she’s on our team.” The praise highlighted Mitchell’s leadership, scoring ability, and relentless work ethic, underscoring how she has become a central figure for Indiana in Clark’s absence.
The reaction from some fans, however, took an unexpected turn. A subset of Caitlin Clark’s supporters reacted angrily to White’s admiration for Mitchell, posting on social media with criticism and concern over perceived slight to Clark. Comments characterized the Fever organization as undermining Clark, with accusations ranging from backstabbing to claims that Clark’s career was being minimized. One post alleged that the organization had “bled Caitlin for everything they could,” while another lamented that Clark’s supporters felt she hadn’t received comparable praise to Mitchell. A different reply suggested that Clark had done impressive things in the past, yet felt that White’s praise for Mitchell came at Clark’s expense, even as Mitchell, who has been with the team for eight years, had continued to grow and develop in recent seasons.
Amid the fan discourse, the on-court story remained clear: Indiana moved to 4-0 without Clark this season, continuing a surprising early stretch of winning in her absence. The Fever’s balanced performance against Phoenix demonstrated that the team can be dangerous even when its marquee young point guard is unavailable. Mitchell’s performance, in particular, served as a reminder of her versatility and leadership, reinforcing the idea that Indiana has multiple weapons to lean on when needed.
The postgame conversation ultimately centered on the dynamic between Mitchell’s elevated responsibility and Clark’s extended absence. White’s praise for Mitchell underscored the coach’s confidence in her veteran guard’s ability to elevate the team at critical moments, a trait that could be crucial as Indiana navigates the season without Clark for at least part of the time. The feedback from fans, while intense, did not alter the on-court reality: the Fever are finding ways to win, developing chemistry, and proving that they can compete at a high level with a deeper rotation and a clear emphasis on ball movement, defense, and clutch performances in late-game situations.
As Indiana looks ahead, the team will likely lean on Mitchell’s dual threat—scoring and playmaking—while continuing to integrate Clark when she’s cleared to return. The win over Phoenix adds another chapter to a season characterized by resilience and adaptability, illustrating that the Fever can compete with top teams even in the absence of their star guard. With White’s steady guidance and Mitchell’s relentless production, Indiana has built a foundation that could sustain success through the regular season and into the playoffs.