Tag: Kelsey Mitchell

Caitlin Clark led Fever employees in a surprise celebration for Kelsey Mitchell’s new contract

Caitlin Clark’s backcourt mate is back.

It’s good to see Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell back together again for the long haul.

There was concern that Mitchell might ditch her backcourt partner for greener pastures — even after the successful season the two had together last year.

But now, there’s no need to fear. Mitchell is here. Officially. (Wow, that was corny).

Mitchell announced that she was re-signing with the Fever on Wednesday.

THE BIGGEST WINNER: Clark, herself is the biggest winner from Mitchell’s return

The entire team was thrilled with the news — including Clark. She and a group of employees from Pacers Sports & Entertainment lined up to greet Mitchell at the airport and congratulate her on her new deal.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFauK69uJdT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Good for Mitchell. Good for Clark. Good for the Fever. The rest of the WNBA is probably rolling its eyes.

Caitlin Clark is the biggest winner of the Fever re-signing Kelsey Mitchell

Caitlin Clark + Kelsey Mitchell? YOU BET.

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are back together again.

Fever fans might tell you they never worried about Mitchell returning, but Indiana’s front office was honest. They said signing Kelsey was one of the organization’s top off-season priorities. (Kelsey’s infamous Magic Johnson moment probably didn’t help the uneasy feeling about whether she would return.)

But she’s back now, and the biggest winner of the move? Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin gets her right-hand person back, and they can continue being one of the most dangerous backcourt duos in the league. Here’s the Fever’s announcement of Kelsey re-signing and their fantastic committee to welcome her back, plus Caitlin’s Instagram endorsement.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFauK69uJdT/?igsh=Y21jejNsY2tsNW13

In 2024, Caitlin and Kelsey each averaged 19.2 points a game, and their elite connection was hard to deny.

Remember when Caitlin launched a full-court pass to break the WNBA rookie assist record? It was to Kelsey Mitchell.

Caitlin Clark’s 19th against Dallas that broke a WNBA single-game record? That was to Kelsey Mitchell, too.

The single-season WNBA assist record that Caitlin broke? Yep. Kelsey Mitchell was involved.

It seems they have a knack for finding each other on the court, whether it was Kelsey being a top option for helping Caitlin break records or her cutting off-ball to get in the corner for a Caitlin-assisted 3-pointer.

Here are a few photos of their remarkable first season together to continue celebrating this dynamic duo.

Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) slaps hands with guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the third quarter against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrate during the first half of a game Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever speaks with Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever during the first half against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 15, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) take in the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Caitlin Clark deservedly earned 3rd-place MVP votes to cap standout rookie season

MVP votes as a rookie.

Now that the WNBA regular season is over, awards have been decided and Caitlin Clark’s phenomenal rookie campaign is being cemented in history. Not only was she named the unanimous AP Rookie of the Year and a first-team All-WNBA player, Clark also received MVP votes.

Though A’ja Wilson won the award unanimously, Clark put together a good enough campaign to finish fourth in voting, and she even received a few votes for third place.

In fact, Clark’s six third-place votes were second most to Breanna Stewart, and she led all players with 26 fourth-place votes. With an additional 22 fifth-place votes, Clark tallied 130 points to finish fourth in voting, just ahead of the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas.

https://twitter.com/ItsMeghanLHall/status/1837834637176963096

Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Stewart finished second and third in voting, respectively.

Clark’s top-five finish isn’t too surprising after her historic first year helped catapult the Indiana Fever from 13 wins last season to 20 wins and a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Clark played all 40 games and led the Fever with 19.2 points per game and a league-best 8.4 assists. Her Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell also received third- and fifth-place MVP votes.

Indiana opens the playoffs Sunday against Thomas and the Sun.

Caitlin Clark gets a shoutout from Kelsey Mitchell for Fever star’s new-found level of fame

“Shoutout to Caitlin.”

Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell had an unbelievable but highly underrated season. Admittedly, a lot of what Mitchell did was not talked about enough. Thankfully, she’s received a lot of love from Fever and hoops fans for her contributions, and she credits that to Caitlin Clark.

Rightfully, Caitlin gets a lot of shine because of what she did for the Fever. But her backcourt partner is now getting some of that shine, too. By all accounts — and in my humble opinion — Indiana doesn’t have the season it did and make the playoffs without Mitchell’s consistent production.

Her game captivated so many people, but Kelsey isn’t beyond knowing where many of those eyes now watching came from. Here’s what she recently told the media about her elevated fame (See the clip below and the 3:44 mark of the YouTube video):

“I think the reality of it is that I don’t think people wouldn’t have known without [Caitlin Clark]. Shoutout to Caitlin…I think she’s just done an unbelievable job of bringing, obviously, her own fans and people that support her.”

“You know, for me, I kinda laugh at it and embrace it at the same time because I’ve always kind of flew under the radar. I’ve always kind of been that person, that player — very conservative. I’m very introvert. So, now I get to see the flip side of it, and it’s kind of funny. I can laugh about it because I know it’s come from a genuine place.”

“But I embrace it from the standpoint of, like, people, you know, [are] not guaranteed to see me play and now that they do, I just hope I do right by it. I just hope I don’t eff it up.”

https://twitter.com/sudharsan_ak/status/1836837659626377722?s=46&t=s5N-JgxcI5k9IbFhklucXA

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Caitlin Clark launched a beautiful full-court pass to break the WNBA rookie assist record

Caitlin Clark continues to do the unbelievable.

In the Indiana Fever’s second game back from the Paris Olympics break, Caitlin Clark had a chance to make some unique WNBA history. The guard needed just a few assists to break the league’s all-time rookie single-season record of 225, set by Ticha Penicheiro for the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs in 1998.

And with the Fever locked in a tight battle with the Seattle Storm in the third quarter, Clark found a way to create a dynamite advantage for her team — by pushing the ball in transition — while breaking the record at the same time.

Seriously, she threaded a perfect full-court dime to Kelsey Mitchell, showing off why her attaining the rookie assist record was probably inevitable:

With the mark official, the Fever shared a touching congratulatory message to Clark from Penicheiro:

The more time goes on, the more it becomes clear we’re truly watching Clark piece together one of the greatest WNBA rookie seasons ever.

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell learning one another’s basketball ‘language’

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are becoming a deadly one-two punch for the Indiana Fever and learning one another’s basketball language.

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are starting to become fluent in one another’s basketball language.

That’s a scary proposition for Indiana Fever foes.

No moment better illustrated that than their finishing touches in the Fever’s 98-89 Friday win over the Phoenix Mercury. With Indiana in front 94-87 and the clock inside the game’s final minute, Clark turned the corner from the right wing, drove into the paint and, as the defense collapsed around her, she split the defenders with a pass to a cutting Mitchell for an easy two.

Those types of assists are becoming more and more the norm between the two. It also secured the 10th double-double of the season for Clark.

Clark finished one point shy of her career-high with 29 points and 10 rebounds against the Mercury.

Mitchell had a fabulous game in her own right, knocking down six 3-pointers and scoring 28 points.

Afterwards, Mitchell was asked about how she and Clark have continued to get better playing off one another.

“I enjoy it. I just think basketball, it’s a language and you’ve got to get on the same page with your counterparts. I think me and C squared like to play a certain way and that’s fast and up-tempo. So, I’m going to always align based on how she’s playing and how the game is going. I’m just going to take it in stride because I enjoy it. I’m with it,” Mitchell said.

Clark touched on the chemistry that she and Mitchell have built and the understanding between one another.

“I think we’ve gotten a lot better just understanding each other as we’re playing the game. Looking for each other when each other’s hot. Kels got hot there, made a few in a row, so you’re just looking to find her. I think in transition especially.

“The way she runs the floor with her speed, I’ve always got my eyes up trying to look to find her. I think she can tell when I want her to go backdoor, when I want her to come cut off the ball or anything like that and just that chemistry that you get used to playing with one another. It’s taken time, but I think we’re really starting to get it down,” Clark said.

Indiana battles the Seattle Storm on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC where the Fever will seek their 12th victory in their past 19 games.

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Kelsey Mitchell’s reaction to a WNBA All-Star game question sparked so many Magic Johnson memes

“I won’t be there” — Kelsey Mitchell, probably

Kelsey Mitchell‘s unintentionally funny response to a recent question about the Fever hosting the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is the gift that keeps on giving.

Of course, with the news this week that Indianapolis will host the All-Star game next year, Fever players were going to be inevitably asked their thoughts about it. But I’m not sure this is what the media had in mind when someone asked Mitchell for her opinion.

In a clip recently shared on social media, Kelsey, who will be a free agent after the season, seemingly hadn’t given the idea much thought and somewhat stumbled to come up with a response. Her answer totally gives the “that’s great for them” vibes, and I cannot stop laughing.

As the clip circulated on the internet, fans immediately noticed Kelsey’s reaction — which invoked shades of Magic Johnson — and generated so many splendid memes.

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Former Ohio State guard Kelsey Mitchell shines in WNBA All-Star Game

Mitchell made the most of the opportunity #GoBucks

If you’re a diehard Ohio State women’s basketball fan, you undoubtedly know the name Kelsey Mitchell. Mitchell was at one time second on the all-time NCAA scoring list with former Washington guard Kelsey Plum in her sights. Ultimately, Mitchell came up just 125 points shy of passing Plum for immortality.

But it is Mitchell who got the last laugh… at least on this night when the WNBA All-Stars played Team USA who is preparing for the Olympics that will begin in just a few short days. The All-Stars got the win over those headed to Paris by a score of 117 to 109. And Kelsey Mitchell was a big reason why.

Mitchell played just 14 minutes in the game, but she made the most of her opportunity. On 6-8 shooting from the field, Mitchell poured in 13 points and added one assist and two steals to help the All-Star team get the win.

Mitchell is having another fine season for the Indiana Fever. Although she is somewhat overshadowed by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, Mitchell is second on the team in scoring averaging just over 16 points per contest.

Indiana is currently positioned as the No. 7 seed if the WNBA Playoffs were to start today. The Fever will resume play in mid-August after the conclusion of the Olympics and will have 14 games left to continue their run toward a championship.

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Kelsey Mitchell hit the coldest step-back buzzer-beater during the WNBA All-Star Game

Kelsey Mitchell — ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Kelsey Mitchell hit an absolutely filthy stepback buzzer-beater to end the third quarter during the WNBA All-Star Game.

OK, fine. I’ll say I did not take anything seriously that was being said about this game. Both teams reportedly were very serious about it, but I wasn’t — until I saw that they were HOOPING out there.

So many good things were happening. Caitlin Clark assists. Angel Reese rebounds. Arike Ogunbowale on an ABSOLUTE HEATER. And then, Kelsey Mitchell dropped a NASTY buzzer-beater to end the third quarter, and I LOVED IT. YES, PLAY IT ON A LOOP. INJECT THIS INTO MY VEINS. I NEED IT. If it sounds like I’m yelling — I DEFINTELY AM.

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Kelsey Mitchell jokingly implied she channelled Caitlin Clark’s college days with her clutch 3 vs. the Liberty

Kelsey Mitchell shared the best Caitlin Clark joke.

The more time has passed, the more it seems Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates are wholeheartedly embracing her rookie fame. Forward Aliyah Boston gassing Clark up after making history is just one great example when Clark is also trading deep 3-pointers with established WNBA stars like Sabrina Ionescu.

Fever point guard Kelsey Mitchell is the latest to feed into the Clark frenzy.

After Mitchell nailed a clutch, dagger 3-pointer against the New York Liberty to help the Fever notch an upset win, she could’ve simply played it coy and said making plays like that is just part of her job.

Instead, Mitchell joked about how she felt like she made the shot in front of a raucous Iowa Hawkeye crowd — a clear nod to Clark’s college days:

I have to imagine that many Fever players “feel like Hawkeyes” these days whenever they make a big play.