A new duo has emerged from the Indiana Fever. Earlier, it was the 2023 first-overall pick Aliyah Boston with the golden rookie Caitlin Clark. Now, the duo that makes Indiana’s backcourt one of the most dangerous in the league is Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who might leave the franchise unless she negotiates a new contract. Clark and her veteran teammate have been nothing short of exemplary since their return, and now the rookie has opened up about it.
The Fever secured a huge win over the Chicago Sky tonight, sweeping the season series. Two names that stood out in this road victory were Caitlin Clark, who posted a 31-point, 12-assist game, and Kelsey Mitchell, who contributed 23 points. Over time, these two have become more comfortable with each other, understanding each other’s mindset on the floor and executing some of the best fast-break buckets.
Reflecting on their partnership, Caitlin Clark praised the veteran for her experience during the postgame press conference. She said, “I mean it’s pretty similar on and off the floor. She’s just been a force that’s been there. She’s been through this league for, what, seven years now? Like she knows what to expect. She knows how things are going to go.”
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She also talked about their bond, “And I think more than anything, we are just starting to understand each other much better. We could just make eye contact and she knows go back door. She knows to come and get the ball. That just comes with playing with one another. It’s been a lot of fun for me. I mean, she’s playing so well right now. Just as good as anybody in this league. So, I feel very lucky and fortunate to have her by my side.”
“I feel very lucky and fortunate to have her by my side.”
Caitlin Clark on playing alongside Kelsey Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/1ol2VTQ3MM
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 31, 2024
Certainly, Caitlin Clark’s magic is rubbing off on her teammates as well. Mitchell also had good things to say about the rookie.
Kelsey Mitchell sheds light on how her dynamic with Caitlin Clark has affected her game
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With Clark's admiration, should Lin Dunn make re-signing Kelsey Mitchell a top priority?
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Time and again, Mitchell had proven before the break that she was the offensive leader of this team. However, since the All-Star break, the Fever’s entire game has become more selfless. According to the 28-year-old, “I think it’s a matter of our chemistry. We’ve really taken time as teammates to really get to know each other on and off the court. I think it serves to what you see now.”
Explaining her stance further, she added, “I think even though it might look a different way to you, we’ve already established what our chemistry is and how we want to play. I think for us, we’ve got unbelievable chemistry now to where it’s unspoken.” Tonight’s victory was one for the books, as, despite the slow start, Caitlin Clark and company turned the game around and secured the win.
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The Fever has also replaced the Phoenix Mercury for the sixth playoff spot. In fact, with just one more win, they may be on the verge of clinching their berth as well. Indiana has now won 6 of their last 7 matchups, showing how their chemistry has been a boon to the franchise. Hopefully, this will be enough of a sign for Fever GM Lin Dunn to offer Mitchell a new contract.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show,” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
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With Clark's admiration, should Lin Dunn make re-signing Kelsey Mitchell a top priority?