The Indiana Fever started their preseason with a bang, pulling out a 79-74 overtime win over the Washington Mystics on May 3. While Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 12 key points, what she said after the game might’ve meant even more than the win itself—she showed complete confidence in one of her brand-new teammates.
Kelsey Mitchell Had a Unique Praise for Indiana Fever Rookie
After the game, Mitchell wasn’t shining the spotlight on herself. She gave it to Sophie Cunningham. She also gave props to the duo of Cunningham and Lexie Hull, saying their hustle and smart plays made all the difference.
“Sophie’s that Wild Card, man. Her and Lexie together. I think their energy, when I talk about effort defensively and just figuring it out and having a willingness, that’s Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull.”
“They do an unbelievable job of just being present, being where they need to be, taking the necessary play. That kind of stuff you can’t teach. And I think that’s how you win games,” said Mitchell during the post-game interview.
Cunningham, the 13th overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft, isn’t new to making an impact. She’s known for her fire and flexibility on the court. She joined the Fever in January as part of a huge four-team trade with the Mercury, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Fever.
In 34 minutes of play, Cunningham finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, shooting 6-of-11 from the field.
Hull, entering her fourth season with the Fever, also had a standout night. She chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes. Though not as flashy as Cunningham’s stat line, Hull’s presence was felt on both ends of the court.
It’s only the preseason, but early chemistry like this is a good sign for a Fever team trying to get back into playoff talks. And with Mitchell calling Cunningham the team’s 2025 “Wild Card,” she clearly sees big things ahead.
Fever HC Also Praised Cunningham
The Indiana Fever kicked off their 2025 preseason with an impressive win over the Washington Mystics, marking head coach Stephanie White’s first victory in her return to the franchise.
After the game, White wasted no time praising her players for their intensity and teamwork. She highlighted several standout performances, including Cunningham.
“Oh my god, Sophie’s a dog. She’s a competitor. She’s versatile, so she allows us to do different things. She plays with such toughness. She’s huge, and she’s going to be for us all season long.”
“What she brings from an energy standpoint, she raises the level of play of everyone around as soon as she steps foot on the floor. Hell, even on the sideline. Her communication, everything. She’s definitely an X factor,” said White during the post-game interview.
Next, the Fever will head to Iowa City on May 4 to face the Brazilian National Team. The matchup will take place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, familiar ground for Caitlin Clark, whose legendary college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes helped make that court iconic.