Heading into the 2025 WNBA season, all eyes were on Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The former Iowa standout and reigning Rookie of the Year was among the early frontrunners for the league’s MVP award, with sportsbooks and fans alike projecting a breakout sophomore campaign. And she didn’t disappoint—at least not at first.
Through her first four games of the season, Clark dazzled with averages of 19 points, 9.3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game, setting the tone for what looked to be a special season. But a quadriceps injury sidelined her shortly after, halting her momentum and ultimately limiting her to only seven additional appearances in the Fever’s next 23 games. As a result, Clark’s name has slowly faded from the MVP conversation, despite a heroic 32-point return performance against the New York Liberty and a 20-point outing against the Connecticut Sun shortly after.
However, the MVP buzz has not left the Fever’s locker room entirely.
In Clark’s absence, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell has risen to the occasion—and then some. The 29-year-old has stepped into the spotlight with a series of standout performances, culminating in a historic game against the Connecticut Sun this past Sunday that may have altered the MVP race.
Facing a 21-point deficit, the Fever engineered the largest comeback in franchise history to defeat the Sun 99-93 in overtime. At the heart of the rally was none other than Mitchell, who poured in a career-high 38 points while adding six assists, two steals, and a rebound. Her shot-making, poise under pressure, and leadership in the clutch were nothing short of MVP-caliber.
Heading into that game, Mitchell was already quietly making waves around the league. She ranked fourth in scoring (19.9 PPG), fourth in three-pointers made per game (2.4), and fifth in three-point percentage (37.7%). But after her electrifying performance on Sunday, it’s clear she’s no longer flying under the radar.
Among the many who took notice of Mitchell’s brilliance was her superstar teammate. Clark, now watching more games from the sidelines due to lingering injury issues, took to social media following the Fever’s dramatic win to offer high praise for her backcourt partner.
“MVP kels,” Clark posted simply on X (formerly Twitter), a three-word endorsement that carried serious weight.
It was a bold and generous gesture from a player who was once a leading MVP candidate herself—an acknowledgment not only of Mitchell’s exceptional play but also of her critical role in keeping the Fever competitive during a turbulent stretch of the season.
The comment resonated across social media and WNBA circles. While Clark’s absence has certainly been felt, Mitchell’s consistent scoring and leadership have sparked a resurgence for the Fever, pushing them back into playoff contention and injecting new life into the team’s offense.
Mitchell’s surge in the MVP race represents more than just a great stretch of play—it’s a testament to her resilience, experience, and growth as a player. And with Caitlin Clark fully backing her campaign, the rest of the league may want to take note.
As the Fever gear up for the final stretch of the season, the MVP conversation is far from over. But if Kelsey Mitchell continues to perform at this level, she won’t just be part of the conversation—she may be the answer.