The WNBA Finals may have been a breeze for the Aces, but a new rivalry was born in the semifinals. The Indiana Fever, led by the formidable Kelsey Mitchell, pushed the Aces to their limits, resulting in an unforgettable Game 5 overtime thriller. Mitchell's impact was undeniable, and Chelsea Gray, a key player for the Aces, had some strong words about her. Gray, known for her sharp strategies, discussed Mitchell's versatility and scoring prowess during the October 17 episode of 'Bird's View.'
'She's a master of finishing around the basket, with the ability to dribble, shoot, and pop for threes. Her stop-and-go style is incredibly tricky, and you can't afford to relax because she's quick enough to go downhill and get past you. You have to play her one-on-one, but a well-coordinated team defense is crucial. With players like her, you can't take your eye off the ball; they're always a threat,' Gray explained.
Kelsey Mitchell, a cornerstone for the Indiana Fever, has been a driving force in the team's success. Despite the absence of key players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, Mitchell stepped up, averaging 20.2 points and showcasing her scoring versatility. Her ability to drive the team morally with her rallying cry, 'All we need, all we got,' and her dominance from deep, made her a significant factor in the Fever's journey to the semifinals. In Game 1, she led the team to an 89-73 victory, scoring 34 points and shooting 52.2% from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
The series took an interesting turn in Game 2, where the Aces adjusted their defense. Despite the pressure, Mitchell contributed 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Game 3 saw her struggle, but in Game 4, she stepped up again, scoring 25 points to secure a 90-83 win for the Fever. However, Game 5 was a different story, as Mitchell sustained a leg injury due to cramping after 15 points in 23 minutes of play.
Kelsey Mitchell's impact extends beyond the series against the Aces. Throughout the season, she's been a force to be reckoned with, improving her numbers year after year. Her consistency and scoring versatility have made her a nightmare for opposing guards. Even her fellow WNBA stars acknowledge her difficulty to defend. Kelsey Plum, a Las Vegas Aces guard, praised Mitchell's speed and unpredictability, stating, 'She's so fast and can stop on a dime. It's 50/50, and you never know which way she's going.'
This combination of speed, unpredictability, and scoring versatility makes Mitchell a challenging matchup for any guard. As a result, the Fever is prioritizing her signing for the 2026 season. The question remains: will it happen? The WNBA world awaits the outcome of this potential deal, as Kelsey Mitchell continues to make her mark on the league.
