And then there were five. After 572 regular-season games, and most of the first round done with, we finally have our top five for the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player. While there were a few names everybody expected to be there even before the season began, some players have put in such amazing performances throughout the season that their names were worthy of consideration. No player has been more worthy than Indiana Fever’s de facto leader, Kelsey Mitchell. While many, including Caitlin Clark, were vocal about her MVP credentials, there were still some who doubted.

When Caitlin Clark went down with her groin injury, many had already chalked off the Indiana Fever for this year. However, Kelsey Mitchell rose to the challenge and took it upon herself to ensure that fans in Indiana get to see playoff basketball for the second year in a row. While Caitlin was missing from action, she was assisting Kelsey in a different manner: By wearing  “Kelsey Mitchell MVP” tshirt. And now, it seems like the league has taken notice of not only Caitlin, but many fans and analysts, words and have shortlisted Kelsey Mitchell for this year’s MVP award.

As the Indiana Fever prepared to face against the Minnesota Lynx, many were hyped as it could have been a matchup between to MVP contenders. However, it wasn’t to be as Collier missed the game. But, during the game, Caitlin Clark left no doubts (if there was ever any), who’s getting her endorsement for the MVP award. She pulled up to the game in a graphic tee with a collage of Kelsey Mitchell’s pictures and “MVP Mitchell” as caption. Sure, there was plenty of voices calling her Kelsey Mitchell to be at the very least considered for the MVP award, Caitlin’s action just put a big exclamation mark.

Although the odds are against against her favor, with A’ja Wilson being the odds-on favorite to win her fourth MVP and Collier being a close second. But just being in the top-5 is a big achievement when we look at all that’s gone wrong with the Indiana Fever’s season. Sure, one could argue that with so many injuries, Kelsey had more touches and opportunities to score. But let’s not forget, how the team performs is a big factor when an MVP is considered. No matter how many touches or scoring opportunities she got, Kelsey Mitchell also led the Indiana Fever to the playoffs.

Just yesterday, she displayed her leadership as she led the Indiana Fever to upset the third-seeded Atlanta Dream. When as much as 9 ESPN reporters had ruled them out, Kelsey’s 23.3 points per game, along with some valuation contributions from the likes of Aliyah Boston, Odyssey Sims, and Lexie Hull, they were able to prove all the experts wrong. Now, in their next round, the Fever are up against the odds-on favorite, A’ja Wilson-led, Las Vegas Aces. Although the results of the MVP award will be announced, even before the matchup between the two kicks off, there is no doubt that Kelsey Mitchell would want to get one over A’ja Wilson.

Can Kelsey Mitchell Lead an Indiana Fever Upset of Las Vegas Aces?

After one team caused a bug upset and another avoided being eliminated in a shock, it’s time for the Indiana Fever to face off against the Las Vegas Aces. While most are giving no chance for the Indiana Fever to pull off another upset, the Fever fans are hopeful of witnessing yet another act of defying the odds. Will there be another shock by the Fever?

Well, as things stand, according to ESPN’s analytics, the Indiana Fever have a 36.1% chance of winning Game 1 of the semifinals. While this percentage may not seem like a lot, let’s not forget, it’s better than the percentage the Fever had of beating the Atlanta Dream (35%). But let’s keep numbers aside for a moment. Does the Indiana Fever have enough fire power to upset the Aces? While the Indiana Fever won their season series against the Aces, this team is drastically different from the one they faced early on in the season.

Indiana and Las Vegas were done with their season series in July. Since then, the Fever have lost some very important pieces of their rotation. While this may seem like a disadvantage, the Fever have managed to make some smart signings. What they lost in explosiveness, they have gained in experience. With Odyssey Sims, Aerial Powers and Shey Peddy, Indiana brought in replacements who have experience of the playoff environment. Saying these signings have worked would be an understatement as each of these players have played a big hand in getting Indiana to where they are right now.

If the Fever can continue the same level and brand of basketball they played in the last two games against the Atlanta Dream, there is no doubt that they can defy the odds yet again and make it to the WNBA finals for the first time since 2015.