Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell make WNBA history as Fever’s unstoppable duo
· Yahoo Sports
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell make WNBA history as Fever’s unstoppable duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever did more than dismantle the Chicago Sky in a 113-90 victory Sunday. They watched Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell add another entry to the WNBA record book.
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Clark scored 37 points and handed out 10 assists, while Mitchell added 30 points in the lopsided win. It marked the third time the teammates have each scored at least 30 points in the same game.
According to the Fever, no other duo in WNBA history has accomplished that feat three times.
Indiana celebrated the achievement by making a bold declaration on social media.
“No better backcourt duo in the league,” the Fever wrote.
Considering what Clark and Mitchell have done this season, that statement has plenty of evidence behind it.
Clark and Mitchell overwhelmed Chicago from outside
The Sky had no answer for Indiana’s star guards. Clark established a career high with eight made 3-pointers while recording her 37-point double-double. Mitchell connected on six of her nine attempts from behind the arc and also contributed four assists, two steals and one block.
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Together, they made 14 3-pointers and scored 67 points. Chicago could not load up against one guard without creating space for the other. Clark’s passing punished additional defensive attention, while Mitchell’s movement and quick release repeatedly created open looks.
The performance offered another example of why Indiana’s offense can become so difficult to contain. Clark is a threat to score from well beyond the 3-point line, but she is equally dangerous as a facilitator. Mitchell can take over possessions without needing to dominate the ball.
That combination presents opponents with an uncomfortable choice. They can pressure Clark and risk losing Mitchell, or stay attached to Mitchell and give Clark more room to create. Neither strategy worked particularly well for Chicago.
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Fever stars are both among WNBA scoring leaders
Their historic performance was not an isolated eruption.
Mitchell entered the week ranked second in the WNBA with 24.8 points per game. Clark was third at 22.1 points per game while also ranking second with 8.3 assists per game. No other backcourt in the league placed two players inside the top five in scoring.
Clark’s ability to generate points for herself and others has helped unlock Mitchell’s game. Mitchell, meanwhile, gives Indiana an accomplished scorer capable of carrying the offense when defenses sell out to stop Clark. The partnership has grown considerably since Clark entered the league. Early questions about how the two ball-dominant guards would coexist have been replaced by arguments about whether anyone else can match their production.
There will be bigger tests ahead, especially in the postseason, when opponents have more time to prepare and defensive pressure intensifies.
For now, the Fever can point to both the numbers and the record book. Indiana does not merely believe it has the WNBA’s best backcourt. Clark and Mitchell are building a compelling case every time they take the court.