In a performance that epitomized veteran poise, electric scoring, and clutch leadership, Kelsey Mitchell delivered a game-high 24 points, including four dagger three-pointers, to lift the Indiana Fever to an 85-76 victory over the Washington Mystics. On a night when every possession mattered and momentum swings defined the game’s pace, it was Mitchell who proved to be the difference-maker for a Fever squad hungry to stack wins and solidify their identity early in the 2025 WNBA season.
The contest began with both teams feeling each other out in a methodical opening frame. The Mystics leaned on their size and interior presence, looking to establish the tempo in the paint and test Indiana’s defense. But the Fever, energized by the home crowd and spurred by the leadership of Mitchell, responded with pace and perimeter shooting. Early in the first quarter, Mitchell drilled a deep three that sent a jolt through the arena, foreshadowing what would become a night of timely buckets and emotional momentum.
Despite trailing briefly in the first half, Indiana never wavered. Their commitment to spacing the floor, moving the ball, and defending with urgency kept them within striking distance. At one point, the Mystics led by six, their biggest advantage of the night, but Mitchell responded with a beautiful pull-up jumper from just beyond the free-throw line and then followed it up with a contested three from the wing. Her back-to-back buckets not only erased the deficit but also ignited a 10-2 Fever run that swung momentum in Indiana’s favor.
Much of the credit for Indiana’s offensive cohesion also goes to the guard play beyond Mitchell. Rookie guard Caitlin Clark, though limited in scoring, showed poise handling the ball and drawing attention away from Mitchell. The floor spacing allowed Mitchell to isolate effectively and utilize ball screens to get into rhythm. Time and again, when the Fever needed a bucket, Mitchell stepped up. Her fourth and final three of the night, a high-arching shot over a scrambling defender late in the third quarter, gave Indiana its first double-digit lead of the game and forced a Washington timeout.
The Fever’s defense tightened as the game progressed, particularly in the second half. The Mystics’ perimeter shooting faltered, and Indiana’s rotations grew more disciplined. Aliyah Boston anchored the interior with toughness, altering shots and snatching boards at crucial moments. Boston’s presence inside allowed perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they had a reliable shot blocker behind them. Washington’s shooting cooled as a result, and Indiana capitalized in transition.
Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring was a masterclass in efficiency and control. She finished the night shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 4-of-7 from deep, showcasing her ability to score in multiple ways. Whether it was pulling up in transition, navigating off screens, or attacking mismatches, Mitchell’s offensive bag was on full display. What made her performance even more impressive was her ability to get her teammates involved while shouldering the scoring load. Her decision-making in pick-and-roll sets kept the defense guessing, and she drew multiple defenders, opening lanes for cutters and shooters.
In the fourth quarter, as the Mystics mounted one final push, cutting the lead down to five, it was Mitchell again who answered the call. With just over four minutes left, she found herself matched up one-on-one on the wing. A quick jab step and crossover later, she rose for a smooth mid-range jumper that swished through the net, halting the run and reigniting the Fever crowd. The bucket took the air out of Washington’s sails and reaffirmed Mitchell’s place as the closer Indiana needed.
The Fever’s balanced attack complemented Mitchell’s brilliance. Aliyah Boston recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, providing strength on the boards and a reliable low-post option. NaLyssa Smith added 12 points, utilizing her athleticism in the open court and hitting a few crucial jumpers in the second half. The trio of Mitchell, Boston, and Smith has begun to show encouraging chemistry, with each understanding their roles and feeding off one another’s energy.
Indiana head coach Christie Sides praised Mitchell’s leadership postgame, emphasizing how her experience and clutch play set the tone for the younger players on the team. “Kelsey’s been here, she’s seen it all,” Sides said. “Tonight, she reminded everyone that she’s not just a scorer—she’s a leader, and she knows how to take control of a game when it matters most.”
On the opposing side, the Mystics struggled to find offensive rhythm outside of Ariel Atkins, who led Washington with 18 points. Shakira Austin had a solid outing in the paint, chipping in 14 points and 9 rebounds, but the perimeter shooting woes haunted the Mystics, who shot just 5-of-21 from beyond the arc. Indiana’s defense keyed in on Natasha Cloud, limiting her opportunities and forcing turnovers that translated into points on the break. Despite solid ball movement in spurts, the Mystics couldn’t match the Fever’s firepower down the stretch.
For the Fever, this win represents more than just another tally in the win column—it’s a sign of maturation. The team is learning how to win close games, how to execute under pressure, and how to lean on its leaders in pivotal moments. Mitchell’s performance will rightly dominate the headlines, but Indiana’s collective effort is what sealed the deal. The role players stepped up when needed, the defense held firm when tested, and the composure never faltered, even when Washington made runs.
Kelsey Mitchell’s journey with the Fever has been marked by patience, perseverance, and a relentless work ethic. Drafted second overall in 2018, she has endured multiple rebuilding seasons and roster reshuffles. Now, she finds herself leading a team on the cusp of something special—a group infused with young talent, hungry to win and build a new legacy. Her 24-point outing against the Mystics wasn’t just another solid performance; it was a statement. A declaration that this team, led by her steady hand, is finding its groove.
The win also continues a trend of upward momentum for Indiana. With each passing game, the team looks more connected, more confident, and more dangerous. While much of the national media spotlight has centered on Caitlin Clark and the rookie class, it’s veterans like Mitchell who are proving to be the stabilizing forces that turn potential into production.
Looking ahead, the Fever know the road remains challenging. The WNBA’s parity is as intense as ever, with teams across the league boasting All-Star talent and depth. But if Indiana continues to get performances like this from Kelsey Mitchell—and if the supporting cast continues to step up—the Fever could be a tough out for any opponent, especially as chemistry continues to build.
In the locker room after the game, Mitchell deflected praise in classic fashion. “It’s always about the team,” she said with a smile. “Yeah, I made some shots tonight, but our defense, our rebounding, our energy—that’s what won us this game. We’re just trying to get better every night. That’s the goal.”
It’s the kind of leadership Indiana has come to expect from its star guard. And on a night when they needed every ounce of her brilliance, she delivered.
Kelsey Mitchell’s performance against the Washington Mystics was a reminder that sometimes, in a league filled with rising stars and highlight-reel plays, consistency, toughness, and heart are still what win basketball games. The Fever are surging, and with Mitchell at the helm, they’re not just chasing wins—they’re chasing something far bigger.
