WNBA action returns to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse! After nearly a month of empty stands, 17,274 witnessed a fierce Phoenix Mercury paying Indiana a visit. And they went home delighted as the hosts secured a 98-89 victory over the 3x WNBA champions. Moreover, this is the first time in the franchise history that Indiana has registered 3 wins over Mercury during a regular season. However, it wasn’t only the stakes that were high during this enticing contest. Apparently, tempers flared in the middle, which involved some ugly scenes between Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Cloud.

After making a fantastic start, the home team carried a 17-point advantage at the halfway mark. Anyhow, the visitors bridged the gap soon after half-time, bringing the difference to just 10 points. At this time, the Mercury’s energetic guard tries a layup but misses and that gives the possession back to the Fever. Just 10 seconds later at the other end of the court, as the hosts were trying to make the most of this opportunity, Cloud, while defending, extended a nudge to the No. 0 of the night Kelsey Mitchell. Consequently, this enraged the 5 ft 8 guard to the extent that she shoved her back with some extreme force.

The scenario had the potential to escalate and perhaps that brought a sea of individuals between them not only involved players but the coaching staff as well. As a result, both were separated and the officials then got together to further evaluate the situation. Eventually, a double technical foul was issued against both of these combative athletes. However, an offensive foul followed Mitchell quickly after that.

Still, that didn’t stop her from pulling off a scintillating display.

Kelsey Mitchell roars out loud at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Well, it was another record outing Caitlin Clark, of course. The rookie finished the night with their 10th double-double. But, let’s not take anything away from Kelsey Mitchell, who produced quite an exhibition herself.

Being a starter in this game, the 28-year-old spent a total of 37 minutes on the hardwood, resulting in 28 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. In addition to this, she shot 11 of 22 from the field and connected 6 out of her 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Her contributions proved essential by the end as it suppressed a ferocious second-half comeback by the visitors.

This performance surely furthers their cause of making a playoff this season. Their supporters will hope her performance momentum lasts when they take on Seattle next.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.