The Indiana Fever extended their win streak to four after defeating the Dallas Wings, 88-78, on Friday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Wings’ Paige Bueckers recorded four assists, four rebounds, and led the team with 22 points—15 of which were scored in the first half. This was despite the physical nature of the game. In fact, while the team made changes to address their defense issues, Indiana came prepared with their own defensive pressure, which was just enough to stifle the Wings’ offense.

The Fever had heavily outpaced them by the fourth quarter, so much so that a part of the crowd began exiting with two minutes still left to the game… Yet Indiana couldn’t help but feel they could have done better in Caitlin Clark’s absence. Sure, the supporting cast rose in adversity, fought tough situations to reach a 16-12 record so far this season, and are fifth in the Eastern Conference, but they were also inconsistent.

All-Star Kelsey Mitchell has continued to dominate in Clark’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 stepped up. But none has had the impact that mid-season acquisition Aari McDonald has had. Signed to the team on a hardship contract following injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, McDonald carved out a role for herself. Of course, her signing to the main roster was also aided by the DeWanna Bonner saga. However, McDonald was not satisfied with how they played this time, despite handing the Wings their 21st loss this season.

Against Dallas, she played for 29 minutes and recorded 15 points, four rebounds, and six assists. During the post-game press conference, she 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.“

But what exactly was inconsistent? Kelsey Mitchell, who was seated right next to McDonald, stated: “We like to think that we’ve made too many jumps as a team and as a group, you know, to not close out certain situations where we were supposed to.”

The Dallas Wings kept the game close in the first half. It wasn’t until the third quarter that the Fever finally had a double-digit lead. And going into the fourth quarter, the Fever led by 13 points. So, further, Mitchell added: “I think any competitor knows that when you say win them, win them. And I think we took some time off, a little, we got a little drop off today. And I think that’s what she [McDonald] was talking about. It was inconsistent. I think we could have been a little bit better.”

McDonald shared: “I mean a dub is a dub tonight. But we were not happy with 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. 

Indiana Fever: Kelsey Mitchell sets a record

The moment Caitlin Clark held her groin and left the court against the Connecticut Sun, fans were tense. 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 middle 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 the player has stepped up her offensive game over the last few weeks.

While doing that, Mitchell has set a record. She has tied with Kelsey Plum for the most 20+ point games this season. While Caitlin Clark has dominated the headlines, both on and off the court, Mitchell has continued to silently perform and bring the Indiana Fever close to the playoffs. 

While we wait for Caitlin Clark to be back, for now, it is time to witness Kelsey Mitchell dominate and lead the Fever squad. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.