The Indiana Fever’s transformation this season has been nothing short of miraculous. Starting off with a devastating 1-18 record, the team was written off as one of the weakest in the league. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, they’ve clawed their way back by winning 11 of their next 17 games, forcing even the strongest WNBA teams to take notice. This remarkable turnaround isn’t just a matter of luck or improvement—it’s a testament to the hard work, leadership, and newfound chemistry of key players like Lexi Hull and Kelsey Mitchell. Once considered secondary players, Hull and Mitchell have stepped up in ways no one could have predicted, playing crucial roles in the Fever’s resurgence.
Lexi Hull has been one of the most surprising revelations of the season. Initially overlooked and often relegated to the bench, Hull has redefined her role on the team, emerging as a defensive anchor. Whenever she’s on the court, the Fever’s defense improves by 3.5 points per 100 possessions, a game-changing statistic. Hull’s defensive awareness, combined with her newfound offensive firepower, has turned her into an unexpected threat. Since the Olympic break, she’s been hitting an incredible 70% of her three-point shots—an astronomical leap from her previous career average of just 22.2%. Her ability to score from deep and lock down opponents on defense has made her indispensable to the Fever’s success. The days of her being overlooked are long gone, as she’s now one of the league’s rising stars, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.
On the other side of the ball, Kelsey Mitchell has been nothing short of unstoppable. Averaging over 25 points per game in August, Mitchell has solidified her place as one of the most lethal scorers in the WNBA. Her consistency has been staggering; she set a franchise record by scoring 20 points or more in five consecutive games. But Mitchell’s impact isn’t just about piling up stats—her scoring is lifting the entire team. She’s been the engine behind the Fever’s fast-paced offense, which is now ranked fifth in the league in pace. Mitchell’s quickness, efficient shooting (49.3% from the field, 40.7% from three), and ability to break down defenses have made her a nightmare for opponents. In close games, she’s been the go-to player, stepping up when it matters most. The Fever have won eight of their last 12 games when Mitchell scores 20 points or more, and her performances have become the difference between wins and losses.
But the Fever’s revival is not just about Hull’s defense or Mitchell’s scoring—it’s about the collective effort of the entire team. Rookie sensation Caitlyn Clark has been instrumental in orchestrating the Fever’s offense, leading the league in assists with 8.2 per game. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates, particularly for Hull, Mitchell, and Eliah Boston, has transformed the team’s dynamics. Clark’s court vision and playmaking are opening up the floor for everyone, making the Fever one of the most unpredictable and dangerous teams in the WNBA. Add Boston’s dominance in the paint, and you have a complete team that can attack from every angle.
What makes this turnaround even more impressive is the competition they’ve been up against. The Fever have taken down top teams like the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Mercury—teams stacked with Olympic gold medalists and seasoned veterans. They’ve also secured victories against playoff contenders like the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun, proving that their success isn’t just a fluke. These aren’t just wins—they’re statements that the Fever are here to compete with the best, and they’re doing it with style, grit, and determination.
Head coach Christy Sides has emphasized that this transformation comes down to one simple thing: hard work. The players have bought into the team’s vision, put in the effort, and are seeing the results. Sides’ coaching has fostered a culture of teamwork and resilience, and it’s paying off in a big way. The Fever have gone from being an easy win for other teams to becoming a serious contender that no one wants to face. Even WNBA legend Sue Bird recently commented that the Fever are a team to watch out for, especially in the playoffs. When someone like Bird takes notice, you know something special is happening.
The Fever’s rise has also captured the hearts of their fans. Attendance at their games has surged, and the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. Players like Mitchell, Hull, and Clark aren’t just winning games—they’re winning over the crowd with their electrifying performances. The Fever have become one of the most talked-about teams in the league, and their thrilling brand of basketball is drawing more fans to the WNBA.
Looking ahead, the Fever are not just content with making the playoffs—they’re aiming for a championship. With their mix of young talent, veteran leadership, and unstoppable momentum, they have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason. They’ve already fought their way to a 15-16 record, and now sit in seventh place, just outside the top tier of teams. But it’s not just about their standing—it’s about the fear they’re instilling in their opponents. Hull and Mitchell have become one of the league’s most surprising duos, and with Clark’s playmaking and Boston’s presence in the paint, the Fever have all the pieces to go far.
The Indiana Fever are no longer the underdogs—they’re the team that everyone is watching, and they’re playing with a confidence and hunger that could take them all the way.
