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'MVP Kels': Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Hype Kelsey Mitchell’s MVP Case After Fever’s Season-High Win Vs Sun
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson (51) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) cheer for their team during the first half against the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark doesn’t need to play to call it like she sees it. Even from the sidelines, she knows when someone deserves MVP chants. And after Kelsey Mitchell’s explosive 38-point night in the Fever’s historic overtime win over the Connecticut Sun, she delivered just that.

“MVP Kels,” Clark posted on X. Meanwhile, a game-day-restricted Sophie Cunningham—who left early with a knee injury—bellowed back: “KESLEY FREAKIN MITCHELL.” Teammate Sydney Colson added, “Kelsey Mitchell isn’t real.” Words that landed as power statements from three voices in the locker room.

Mitchell’s stat line? She unleashed 34 of those points in the second half and overtime, leading the largest comeback in Fever history—rallying from a worrisome 21-point deficit to win 99–93. It wasn’t just a stat sheet; it was a message.

While Caitlin Clark continues healing from her groin injury, the team has leaned on Mitchell’s scoring but also her energy and leadership. This kind of recognition from Clark and Cunningham? It’s more than hype—it’s a midseason endorsement that Mitchell’s case for MVP isn’t up for debate.

It goes like the saying, the strong recognize the strong. And in this case, Clark’s seen Kelsey do more than just pull her own weight on the team. She’s powering through while the rest of the world waits for Caitlin Clark’s return.


Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) high-fives Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

As the Fever fight through injuries and a tight playoff picture, Caitlin Clark’s instincts remain trusted. When she calls someone ‘MVP Kels,’ it’s not just team spirit—it’s truth.

Fever Injury Woes Deepen as Caitlin Clark’s Return Remains Uncertain

You can say that Indiana’s 2025 season isn’t looking like how everyone thought it would at this stage of the season. And that POV’s changed so much after Caitlin Clark showed consistency in missing games. Recurring quad and groin issues had been keeping her down, and right now no one knows how long. So far, Coach Stephanie White is still saying the same thing: they’re in no rush.

Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham added to the injury toll, suffering a right knee injury during the same win over Connecticut—her second loss on the court after Kelsey Mitchell’s heroics. 


LOOK: Caitlin Clark And Injured Teammates Gets Heartwarming Gesture From Indiana Fever After WNBA Game 5 Fever guard Caitlin Clark (L) claps for her teammates as they play against the Mercury at PHX Arena in Phoenix, on Aug. 7, 2025.

Despite the setbacks, the Fever climbed to 18–16 and currently sit in playoff contention, thanks to Mitchell’s scoring surge and Aliyah Boston’s consistency. But with their leading rookie sidelined indefinitely, every game without Caitlin Clark tests their depth and resolve. 

As the season winds down, the Fever are counting down to Clark’s comeback—but until then, they’re writing a new chapter. One driven by grit, unexpected heroes, and the hope that Caitlin Clark returns, not just to play, but to lead once again.


LOOK: Caitlin Clark Takes Control of Camera, Slays Every Shot, And Brags “I Ate!” 11 Aug 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) interacts with the fans during pregame warmups against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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