​The Indiana Fever bounced back strongly after a tough defeat to the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night, prevailing 92-89 over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday in the second game of a back-to-back. The victory came without All-Star point guard Caitlin Clark, who sat out to manage a lingering back issue that has affected her at times during the season. In her place, fellow All-Star Kelsey Mitchell delivered a standout performance, pouring in 29 points, handing out eight assists, and nailing the go-ahead basket late in regulation to seal the win.
Postgame, the Fever lauded Mitchell’s ability to take control when needed. Head coach Tamika White praised Mitchell’s resilience and scoring punch, noting that she constantly draws attention from defenders yet still finds ways to get open. “She puts us on her back,” White said during the press conference. “She really does. She scores while people are hanging on her, and she’s able to create opportunities—even with multiple bodies converging on her. Her endurance is incredible. We rely heavily on her, and I’m grateful she’s on our team.”
Following the victory, Fever chief operating officer and general manager Amber Cox took to X (formerly Twitter) to express appreciation for the fans who supported the team on its West Coast road swing. In doing so, some fans suggested that Cox and White were overly celebratory about the win because Clark did not play. Cox responded firmly, dismissing the notion as nonsense and highlighting that Clark “is always thrilled” to see the Fever win, even when she isn’t on the floor.
“Nonsense. You know who is also happy after ANY win? CC. Because this is a team full of people who celebrate and care for one another, and like all of them, she’s a great teammate,” Cox wrote in response to the fan. “We all cannot wait to have CC back on the court. Enough with this ridiculous narrative.”
The Fever organization appears united behind their goals and focused on success, regardless of the lineup on any given night. The message from inside the franchise is clear: support for the team and for Clark remains unwavering, and the players and leadership are aligned in their pursuit of victories. The emphasis is on teamwork, resilience, and a collective commitment to winning, whether Clark is in the lineup or not. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the squad in the same way, recognizing that the Fever’s depth and cohesion can carry them through challenges and keep them competitive in the league.
In summary, Indiana showed resilience without Clark, with Mitchell stepping up in a major way to secure a late-game lead and the team rallying around one another. The post-game commentary from White and Cox underscored a shared belief in the value of every player and the importance of supporting the entire roster, while also addressing outside narratives with a firm and unequivocal stance about Clark’s role and the Fever’s unity. The Comeback’s coverage frames this as a testament to the franchise’s culture and its readiness to contend on a national stage, regardless of individual lineup changes.