Can Caitlin Clark win her first WNBA title? Kelsey Mitchell is a big reason why

T he Indiana Fever may not be the betting favorite to win the WNBA championship, but they have something every contender covets entering the postseason: an elite offensive duo capable of taking over a game. Caitlin Clark is the face of the franchise and one of the league’s biggest stars, but if Indiana is going to make a serious run at its first championship since 2012, Kelsey Mitchell may be the player who ultimately determines how far the Fever can go.

Mitchell delivered another reminder of her importance Friday night, erupting for 33 points in a 103-85 victory over the Toronto Tempo . The performance was historic in multiple ways. During the game, she surpassed the single-season scoring mark of 1,021 points set by A'ja Wilson in 2024, establishing a new WNBA record with 1,034 points and counting.

As impressive as the record was, the consistency may be even more remarkable. Mitchell has now scored at least 20 points in 25 consecutive games, extending her own WNBA record. Against Toronto , she was nearly unstoppable, shooting 12-for-17 from the field and knocking down seven of her 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

That kind of offensive firepower changes everything

Clark was excellent as well. Playing in her first game since helping Team USA capture the FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany, the superstar guard finished with 28 points and 14 assists. It marked her 14th double-double of the season and matched her season-high assist total, which she also recorded against Toronto on June 16.

The stat line illustrated what makes Indiana such a dangerous playoff opponent. When Clark is orchestrating the offense at an elite level, defenses are forced to make impossible decisions. Opponents can commit extra attention to Clark and risk leaving Mitchell open , or they can focus on slowing Mitchell and allow Clark to dictate the game as a scorer and playmaker.

Few teams possess two perimeter players capable of punishing defenses in so many different ways. The Fever's recent form suggests the partnership is peaking at the right time. Indiana has won eight of its last 10 games and appears to be building momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.

The calendar now becomes critical

The WNBA resumed play following the international break, leaving every team with just four regular-season games remaining before the schedule concludes on Sept. 24. The postseason begins three days later on Sept. 27, meaning contenders have little time to build momentum before the intensity of playoff basketball arrives.

That short turnaround places an even greater emphasis on continuity and chemistry. Teams that can quickly regain their rhythm after the W orld Cup interruption could enter the playoffs with a significant advantage. The combination of Clark's playmaking and Mitchell's historic scoring surge gives the Fever reason to believe they can hit the ground running when the postseason opens.

Mitchell's record-breaking campaign has elevated her from All-Star status into the MVP conversation. More importantly for the Fever, it has given Clark the kind of offensive partner every championship contender needs.

The burden of carrying a playoff offense no longer falls solely on Clark's shoulders. On nights when defenses load up against Indiana's superstar point guard, Mitchell has shown she can take over games. On nights when Kelsey attracts extra attention, Caitlin has the vision and passing ability to create opportunities for everyone around her.