The best defenders in basketball have always gotten less attention than elite offensive players. Top scorers get a ton of acclaim and fan support, while lockdown defenders sometimes fly under the radar and fail to get the recognition they deserve.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull is a terrific defender, and she recently opened up about that aspect of her game.
Why Lexie Hull’s Defense Is Crucial for the Indiana Fever
When many think of the Fever, Caitlin Clark’s scoring prowess and star power are probably the first things that come to mind.
However, there is more to the Fever than just its star. With a 4-2 record, they sit in the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference and have the league’s highest-scoring offense (93.7 points per game). As a result, the team’s defense gets overlooked.
Hull, in her fifth season, continues to gain acclaim for her smothering brand of defense. In an interview with James Boyd of The Athletic, she discussed how she approaches the game.
“I’m probably my worst critic. I feel like there is still so much room to grow on that side of the court,” Hull said. “But it’s just something that I’ve taken personally.”
#Fever guard Lexie Hull on her stingy defense:
“I’m probably my worst critic. I feel like there is still so much room to grow on that side of the court. But it’s just something that I’ve taken personally.”
“There’s definitely preparation. Studying players’ tendencies. …” pic.twitter.com/ilu0fm2u4y
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 26, 2026
While her 7.0 points and 3.7 rebounds don’t jump off the page, Hull’s ability to keep her assigned opponent close is impressive. The numbers speak for themselves.
Over the last five games, the Stanford product is a plus-47. When asked about what she still wants to improve defensively, the Fever standout did not mince words.
“Being disciplined. Not lunging, overhelping, not fouling. The list goes on,” Hull remarked.
Over the last five games, Hull has averaged 3.6 fouls, including one game in which she fouled out.
MORE: ‘The Most Important Part of My Team’ — Caitlin Clark Opens Up About Using a Sports Psychologist
As for what makes Hull a great defender, she explained that her coaches growing up always emphasized it as the most important part of the game. She also explained that her preparation is a big part of her success.
“There’s definitely skill. There’s definitely preparation… If you can guess what they’re going to do, it makes your job a lot easier,” she explained.
While the league has evolved to feature a quicker pace and more scoring, the playoffs usually boil down to getting a key defensive stop late.
While Clark’s shooting and ability to take over a game do help, scoring isn’t always guaranteed. Hull is not a full-time starter, but her defense will factor in as the season progresses.
