Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has been cut short after appearing in just 13 games, leaving the Indiana Fever without the player who has been leading their franchise into a new era. In those limited appearances, Clark averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds before being officially shut down for the remainder of the season last week.
With Clark sidelined, Indiana has turned to Kelsey Mitchell, who is averaging 20.5 points in 42 contests. Her consistent scoring has been central to keeping the team competitive. The Fever currently sit at 22-20, clinging to the seventh seed and sitting just one game ahead of the Seattle Storm (22-21) in the standings.
Clark’s absence has forced Indiana to reimagine its identity. Mitchell has emerged as the centerpiece of the roster, elevating her production while setting the tone for the team’s response to adversity. Her steady play has not only filled the statistical void left by Clark but has also positioned her as one of the league’s most valuable players.
On Sunday, Indiana made its stance clear. Via a post on the team’s X account, the Fever publicly declared Mitchell as their choice for WNBA MVP. The message was unambiguous, offering full support for the guard who has carried them through a turbulent campaign.
"Kelsey Mitchell is a HOOPER."
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 7, 2025
her MVP & All-WNBA case keeps getting louder pic.twitter.com/uitYtnFR1C
The Fever’s decision to take this firm stance highlights how critical Mitchell’s performance has been. She has scored at least 20 points in 24 of her 42 games this year, providing the stability needed to keep Indiana’s playoff chances intact.
The push also reflects a shift in how the team is framing its season. While Clark’s star power dominated early narratives, Mitchell’s production has become impossible to overlook with her second-year teammate sidelined. Indiana is ensuring that recognition extends beyond box scores by making her candidacy part of the public conversation.
The Fever’s endorsement says a lot as the WNBA Playoffs near. Should Indiana secure a postseason berth, Mitchell’s MVP campaign could become both a personal accolade and a rallying point for a team that refused to fold after losing its top attraction.
Fans have also been embracing Mitchell as more than just a scoring leader. She is becoming the face of Indiana’s resilience amid an injury-plagued season, and her case will only gain more traction if the Fever finish strong down the stretch. The conversation surrounding her candidacy has already grown louder, and has the chance to ascend this week.
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