It has been a hectic stretch for the Indiana Fever players after an intense couple of games against the Phoenix Mercury in late June. Caitlin Clark’s clash with Alyssa Thomas and the Mercury star’s one-game suspension, followed by online backlash, has drawn Indiana into the conversation.

Thankfully, the Indiana Fever have earned a rare 7-day break after winning 111-87 against the Los Angeles Sparks, and will take on the Las Vegas Aces on July 5. On Wednesday, Lexie Hull revealed how their extended break has helped.

“It’s an opportunity to take a breath. There’s a lot of stress and anxiety around playing the game that we love. That’s part of this,” Hull said in her practice media availability. “For us, it’s a chance to do things outside of basketball, not worry about our performance on the court, but just have fun and have a chance to fall in love with the game again.”

Lexie Hull and her team are currently under pressure to perform. They were supposed to be a title contender but currently have an 11-8 record and an underwhelming defense. Even Sophie Cunningham admitted to it in her podcast. “We’re not even playing good basketball yet, which blows me. It’s driving me nuts,” Cunningham said.

As for Hull, she is averaging 5.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, which is down from 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, albeit with 7 fewer minutes per game. Hull’s production decline has drawn scrutiny this season, and Caitlin Clark’s injury woes have further increased the pressure on Hull to deliver.

However, this break has given Lexi Hull a chance to step back and introspect on her early-season shortcomings. “I go outside. I’ve been tanning,” Hull said. “The weather’s been good. I go shopping and walk my dog, and we’ve been binging Love Island and shows on Netflix. You actually have time these days, which is great. It’s a good time to work on the business a little bit too, I suppose.”

That’s not just applicable for Lexi Hull but for the entire team, as Kelsey Mitchell admitted with a slightly different prespective.

“I needed it. I’m getting older, so I take that time very seriously to reset and figure out what I need, what my body needs, and ultimately what makes me feel good to be my best self for the organization and for the team,” she said. “Mentally, you have to be the best version of yourself in order to get good results.”

The break was essential for the team as Clark is recovering from her back injury, and Cunningham is also coming off an MCL tear. Boston has missed time with her lower leg injury as well. After mentally and physically recharging, this team will go against the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on July 5.