Kelsey Mitchell is entering her fifth season with the Indiana Fever, fired up and optimistic—especially with the team’s offseason additions, including former Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, who signed a one-year, $100,000 deal. Mitchell believes the reinforcements have given Indiana a real shot at making noise in the 2025 WNBA season.
Sophie Cunningham wasted no time making her presence felt in her Fever debut during their 79-74 overtime win against the Washington Mystics on Saturday in Indianapolis. Coming off the bench, she dropped a team-high 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and brought relentless energy—filling the gap left by Caitlin Clark, who sat out as a precaution due to a leg issue.
Mitchell didn’t hold back her praise after the game.
“Sophie is that wild card. Her and Lexie (Hull) together. I think their energy—and I talk about effort defensively—and just figuring it out and having a willingness. They do an unbelievable job of just being present,” Mitchell said in the postgame presser.
Cunningham, now in her seventh WNBA season, spent her first six years with the Mercury. Her scoring touch and defensive grit were immediate upgrades for the Fever, who appear to have the depth and attitude to compete with the league’s best.
poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Chemistry is the key to success for Kelsey Mitchell and the Fever
Kelsey Mitchell emphasized that while the front office has done its part in reshaping the roster, the on-court chemistry will be the difference-maker.
“When you respect your teammates and respect them as competitors, it makes for a better relationship,” Mitchell said earlier this month. “It makes for a better dynamic, and I think that me and (Caitlin Clark) established that.”
“I think everything with us is going to always be culture, and really put together, because we’ve already established who we were as people and as players, and how we can help make each other better.”
The Fever added veterans DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Brianna Turner, Sydney Colson, and rookies Makayla Timpson and Bree Hall to a core that now includes Mitchell, Clark, and 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.
With leadership, depth, and growing chemistry, the Fever are shaping up to be a serious playoff contender this season.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
