It was far from a perfect night for the Indiana Fever, as they found themselves on the wrong side of a 109-102 battle with the New York Liberty.
Fever All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 25 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal in the loss. Fellow teammate Caitlin Clark had 21 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal. Center Aliyah Boston added 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal.
That was the kind of night that, despite the loss, has helped Clark and Mitchell be in the conversation for the WNBA‘s MVP. Everyone on the team seems to agree.
Indiana Fever Talk Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell MVP Status
After the game, reporters asked whether Clark and Mitchell were MVP candidates. Boston chimed in to make the argument as to why both guards should be in the conversation.
“I think if you look at the numbers that they’re putting up, both C and Kelsey, I feel like it’s clear. I mean, teams guard them differently. They’re sending everyone, they’re throwing junk defenses. I mean, ball pressure is so different and they still consistently put up these numbers. So I feel like there’s not really much of a campaign. I feel like when you just look at the numbers and you look at the way teams guard, it’s, it’s clear as day.”
This season, Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in 34 appearances. She is third in the league in points per game and second in assists per game.
Mitchell is averaging 24.7 points, 2.7 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and 1 steal per contest in 38 games played. She is behind Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson in points per game
Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell Look Like MVP Candidates With Indiana Fever
Both players have been instrumental in the Fever’s success this season and in helping them clinch a playoff spot. Clark has improved as a defender, but also is a great passer and scorer. Mitchell has become the league’s best scorer over the last two months, continuing her WNBA record for consecutive 20+ point games.
Clark and Mitchell should both be in the conversation, and there isn’t a clear winner between the two. They each bring a different dynamic that makes them unique in their own way.
Those unique styles of play will be in full force after that Liberty game, as they have one more contest in this four-game stretch in six days. Indiana is back in action on Sunday against the Chicago Sky. Clark and Mitchell won’t have an easy time getting it done given how tired they are, but they are also built for these moments.
Fever Teammate Got Honest About Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell’s MVP Status