Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell. Jacob Musselman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Kelsey Mitchell's key jumper lifts Fever over Mercury

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 30, 2024 6:14 PM ET

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell ended up being one of the biggest difference-makers in their highly anticipated matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.

With a little over 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Fever trailing 82-81, Mitchell caught the ball near the free-throw line, quickly firing and nailing a jumper. The Fever would hold onto the lead en route to an 88-82 victory.

Kelsey Mitchell knocks down the go ahead CLUTCH mid-range jumper for the lead with :40 seconds left

ESPN pic.twitter.com/q2Zv4PVAj6
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2024

The game's focus was the duel between Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Mercury star Diana Taurasi, which was understandable. No. 1 overall pick Clark is one of the most hyped rookies in league history, while Taurasi is its all-time leading scorer (10,388 points).

However, it seems opponents are still underestimating Mitchell. Entering the Fever's game vs. the Mercury, the second overall pick of the 2018 WNBA Draft was on a tear. Over her past three games, she had averaged 18.6 points and 55% from three.

On Sunday, Mitchell maintained her hot hand, scoring 16 points and shooting three-of-six from beyond the arc.

If Mitchell stays on this trajectory, she could become the backcourt partner Clark needs, which should help the Fever capture more victories. After a slow start to the season, Indiana (8-12) has won three of its last five.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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