“We have to be better.” That is the sentiment coming out of the Indiana Fever players and coaching staff after their last win against the Dallas Wings. The Indiana Fever won their fourth straight game after the win against Paige Bueckers’ Wings. With this win, the Fever has improved its record and playoff seedings as a result. Due to Caitlin Clark’s latest injury, there were concerns of the Fever falling off the curve and missing the playoffs. 

However, with the supporting cast rising in adversity, the Fever have pulled themselves out of a tough situation and now sit comfortably in the fifth spot with 16 wins to their name. All-Star Kelsey Mitchell has continued to dominate in Caitlin’s absence, and in her rare off games, others have risen to take over the mantle. Sophie Cunningham, Aliyah Boston, and Natasha Howard have all had explosive games during this. But none have had the impact mid-season acquisition Aari McDonald has had. Signed to the team on a hardship contract to cover for the injury losses to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, McDonald carved out a role for herself. 

Of course, her signing to the main roster was aided by the DeWanna Bonner saga. However, she has silenced any doubters with her performance, especially in Caitlin Clark’s absence. Seemingly out of the WNBA after failing to make the Los Angeles Sparks’ final roster for the 2025 WNBA season, Aari’s explosion has been an unexpected surprise to the basketball world. This season, she has even managed to have a career-high scoring game. However, as her comments after the Dallas Wings game are any indication, she is not satisfied. 

Aari McDonald, during the post-game press conference, insisted on the need to be better. When asked about the consistency demanded by head coach Stephanie White, she responded, “Well, I don’t think we were consistent tonight in how we played. But I mean, we have more games to play and we just got to build off this, watch film, go back to the drawing board and gear up for Seattle.” 

While to some it may seem negative to underplay a win, however, Aari’s comments do make a lot of sense. With the Indiana Fever heavy favorites to win the game, the Dallas Wings kept the game close in the first half. It wasn’t until the 4:38 minute mark in the third quarter that the Fever finally had a double-digit lead. They also had 20 turnovers throughout the game. While a sloppy performance may have gotten them the win against the Dallas Wings, a stronger opponent like the Seattle Storm will not let these mistakes pass by. 

Sitting next to Aari McDonald, Kelsey Mitchell also agreed with her statements. She insisted that when they are in a position to win a game, they have to win it convincingly. When asked about the inconsistencies Aari talked about, Mitchell said the “ I think we took some time off, we got a little drop off today.” Both players also agreed on the team’s defensive performance through the game. When asked about the same, Aari McDonald responded emphatically, while Kelsey Mitchell nodded in support of her teammate. 

Aari said, “ I mean a dub is a dub tonight. But, we were not happy we were not happy about our defensive presence, I mean we got to be more disruptive. We got to be on one accord with our schemes. And I think that again that’s where that inconsistency plays in, we just wasn’t on one page.” She did mention that there were glimpses of them, and once they locked in, that set them in motion to get into their offensive sets. 

Kelsey Mitchell Sets a Record on Way to Leading Indiana Fever to Fourth Straight Win

The moment Caitlin Clark held her groin and left the court against the Connecticut Sun, all seemed to end for the Indiana Fever. Their hopes of a deep playoff run, to watch CC dominate in the All-Star Weekend, all seemed to go downhill. However, since her injury, the Indiana Fever has found its second wind. In the midst of a season-best 4-win streak, things are heading in a positive direction for the business end of the season. 

But while the ‘Golden Goose’ Caitlin Clark is out with injury, who’s been leading the Indiana Fever? Kelsey Mitchell. When the off-season rolled around, bringing Kelsey Mitchell back was the number one priority for the Indiana Fever. And, with most of the regular season having passed, she has more than paid off the Fever’s commitment towards her. Having her career-best scoring season, she has been leading the Indiana Fever in CC’s absence. 

On her way to doing so, Kelsey has set another record. This time, she has tied Kelsey Plum for the most 20+ point games this season. While Caitlin Clark has dominated the headlines, both on and off the court, Kelsey has continued to silently perform and bring the Indiana Fever close to the playoffs. 

Sure, there is no denying that Caitlin Clark is the Fever’s best player, and the Indiana Fever cannot have her back soon enough. But, there’s only so much she could do if not for having such a reliable scorer next to her. While we wait for Caitlin Clark to be back, for now, it is time to witness Kelsey Mitchell dominate and lead the Fever squad.