In a season marked by adversity, injuries, and doubt, the Indiana Fever delivered a statement win on June 3rd, toppling the Washington Mystics 85-76 in their first Commissioner’s Cup game. For a team dismissed by critics and battered by setbacks, this victory was more than just a number in the win column—it was a declaration: The Fever are nobody’s punching bag.

When Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s superstar rookie and face of the franchise, went down with a left quad strain on May 26th, the basketball world all but wrote Indiana’s obituary. The Fever, already reeling from a preseason filled with disrespect—including the Mystics bullying Sophie Cunningham—dropped three straight games. The narrative was set: No Clark, no chance.

But on a night when the Mystics expected an easy win against a team in disarray, Indiana flipped the script.

A Revenge Game Born from Disrespect

The Mystics had embarrassed the Fever just days earlier, strutting into Indiana and treating them like a team that didn’t belong on the same court. Their confidence bordered on arrogance, and they had every reason to believe history would repeat itself. Indiana looked lost, their best player sidelined and their confidence shaken.

What Washington didn’t count on was the heart of a team with nothing left to lose.

“Sometimes when you knock down a team, they don’t stay down. They get back up swinging even harder,” said Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell after the game. “We heard what people were saying about us. We just stayed together and got to work.”

Kelsey Mitchell: The Heart and Soul Steps Up

With Clark out, the question was simple: Who would lead? The answer was Kelsey Mitchell, the franchise’s veteran guard and emotional anchor. Mitchell, who has spent nearly a decade with the Fever, seized the moment with the kind of performance that defines careers.

She poured in 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers, and added three assists and two rebounds. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Mitchell attacked the basket, hit clutch shots, and—most importantly—kept her teammates involved. When the Mystics doubled her, she found the open player. When Indiana needed a basket, she delivered.

“She did everything amazingly and with such grace,” said Ary McDonald, the Fever’s newest addition. “That’s what leadership looks like.”

In the fourth quarter, as Washington mounted a comeback, Mitchell’s three-point play extended the Fever’s lead and sealed the win. She proved that Indiana is far more than a one-woman show.

Unsung Heroes: Lexie Hull and Ary McDonald

While Mitchell starred, two other Fever players delivered knockout performances that stunned the Mystics. Lexie Hull, who had been quiet in the first half, erupted for 14 points—all after halftime—while grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists. Her hustle, energy, and clutch shooting changed the game’s momentum.

Hull’s third quarter was electric: five of six from the field, slicing through the Mystics’ defense and finishing tough layups. “She just stayed ready,” coach Stephanie White said. “That’s what we need from everyone.”

Then there was Ary McDonald, signed just days earlier on an emergency hardship contract. With Indiana’s backcourt decimated by injuries, McDonald flew to Indianapolis, studied the playbook on the plane, and was thrown into the season’s most high-pressure game. She responded with seven points, five assists, and three steals in 27 gritty minutes—drawing three offensive fouls in her first eight minutes on the floor.

“She was huge on defense, huge drawing offensive fouls,” Hull said. “I’m just so proud of her and happy she’s here.”

A Team Transformed

This game was about more than just revenge—it was about transformation. The Fever recorded 21 assists on 30 made field goals, moving the ball with confidence and trust. Coach White called it “exactly how we want to play.”

Mitchell found her leadership voice, directing traffic and keeping everyone involved. Hull discovered her clutch gene, taking over when it mattered most. McDonald proved she belongs in the rotation, adding much-needed depth and grit at the point guard spot.

For the first time all season, the Fever looked like a complete team—one that could compete with anyone, even without their superstar. “We proved we’re not just Caitlin Clark plus four other players,” Mitchell said. “We’re a real team.”

Looking Ahead

The Fever’s win over the Mystics was more than just payback—it was a turning point. Every player now knows they can step up when needed. When Clark returns, Indiana will have multiple weapons capable of taking over games. Opponents can no longer focus solely on stopping Clark; they’ll have to contend with a battle-tested roster that’s learned to trust each other.

The Mystics, meanwhile, learned a hard lesson: Bullies don’t always win. Sometimes, the team you underestimate comes back stronger.

As the Fever look ahead to the rest of the Commissioner’s Cup and the return of Clark, one thing is clear: Indiana is building something special. The league should take notice.