“You’ve got to go out of your way to build those relationships,” Caitlin Clark said. A new team with 10 fresh additions and a whole new coaching staff…how in the world did the Indiana Fever end up looking like lifelong besties during their undefeated preseason run? They just got together a few weeks ago. Well, this was the question on everyone’s mind. But, you know, the real work started way before they hit the hardwood. Think back to free agency. That’s when the vibes started building. And while Clark is clearly gelling well, she also might be the one catching the most heat off the court. 

We already know that, more than anyone, Clark and Mitchell have built a pretty sweet backcourt bond. Clark’s been whipping those crosscourt passes to Mitchell like they’ve played together for years. They’re syncing up on plays, tricking defenders, and turning heads. Both averaged 19.2 points last season, with Clark barely edging ahead by just three total points over 40 games. That connection runs deep. And off the court, even deeper – with a splash of sass.

When Sports Illustrated asked DeWanna Bonner, Aliyah Boston, Mitchell, and Clark who Mitchell teases the most. Without skipping a beat, the answer was unanimous: “Caitlin Clark.” Mitchell even told Bonner, “C Squared keeps me on my toes, you’ll learn it.” The sophomore just laughed and said, “I’m everyone’s target, it’s unfair.” She surely is…but in the most sweetest way. 

Clark’s rookie year was phenomenal. But if you ask her, she’ll tell you her secret weapon wasn’t just deep threes or flashy dimes, it was her team. Especially Kelsey Mitchell. Remember, Mitchell wasn’t active during last year’s training camp because of an ankle injury. But she didn’t disappear. She was right there on the sidelines. 

“She was always on the sideline communicating, being there, especially for myself coming in here and having to learn everything really, really fast,” Clark shared at that time. And when CC was officially named Rookie of the Year, Mitchell showed up with the most heartfelt message, writing, “You’ve changed the world in so many ways. You’ve done it with so much grace.” 

If that doesn’t scream sisterhood, what does? But, of course, Mitchell’s love language is also… a whole lot of teasing. Clark, being her favorite rook, has to be the #1 target. The biggest ‘I mess with you because I love you’ move is hands down, giving a playful nickname. Well, Mitchell affectionately refers to Caitlin Clark as “C-Squared.” It’s nod to Clark’s initials – C.C. But the fact that it wasn’t planned…it just stuck. And now, it’s a full-on thing.

Even through social media interaction, we can sense a total sibling-like energy. Like when the Fever announced Mitchell’s return for the 2025 season, Clark instantly hit Instagram with a “Duh” and a heart emoji. So, Mitchell may tease her like no other, but Clark surely loves every bit of it. The love goes both ways.

Afterall, Clark is a big reason why her “backcourt homie” came back to Indy in the first place.

Kelsey Mitchell stayed in Indiana because of Caitlin Clark?

When it came to locking in Mitchell for another year, Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf didn’t even flinch. Seven seasons in the same jersey, an elite scorer, and the heart of the squad? Of course she was getting that core qualifying offer. Mitchell accepted it, signing a one-year deal worth a supermax salary (about $250,000). 

Now, last season, the biggest part of the magic in Indy was the backcourt duo of Mitchell and no.1 pick. On the court, they were the highest-scoring backcourt tandems in the league. They also made history by becoming the first duo in WNBA history to each record over 100 made three-pointers in a single season .

Both earned All-Star selections in 2024. While other backcourt duos like Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot (New York Liberty) and Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces) were also formidable, Clark and Mitchell’s chemistry set them apart. 

So, along with the fact that Indianapolis is only a quick two-hour drive from Mitchell’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, the real clincher for the vet was CC. Mitchell didn’t hide how much Clark influenced her decision to stay. “Indiana has been my second home since I went pro, so this is the only city I know,” she said. “To see you guys open your arms up to me … that was a big part of me coming back, because I got to meet great people. Then I met one of the greatest people in the world, Caitlin Clark, who just ran the basketball world. I think, together, we hope to make you guys proud.”

Now, everyone’s buzzing about this duo. But the WNBA’s next wave of top backcourts is right behind them. Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale are quickly turning heads. Paige, fresh off a stellar college career where she shot 42% from deep, brings that smooth, off-the-ball game that pairs beautifully with Arike’s unpredictable, creative style. They could easily become the league’s next best duo. Not everyone is buying that, though.

Because forming a bond like Mitchell and Clark takes time, trust, and a little magic. Still, never say never. What do you think? Can Paige and Arike rise to the challenge?