The Indiana Fever’s season has become a test of endurance. With Caitlin Clark, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald already sidelined, the team watched in horror as another key player went down. Lexie Hull’s head-to-head collision with Seattle’s Gabby Williams left her with two massive black eyes and a question mark over her availability.
But Hull’s response? Pure grit wrapped in surprising humor. For a team fighting for every playoff spot, that toughness might be exactly what they need.
How Did Lexie Hull’s Scary Collision Turn Into a Black-Eye Battle?
Early in the first quarter against the Seattle Storm, Hull and Gabby Williams collided head-to-head in a brutal sequence that sent both players to the floor immediately. Trainers rushed onto the court as both athletes writhed in pain.
Williams managed to return to Seattle’s bench and re-entered the game shortly after, but Hull walked straight to the Fever locker room with a trainer at her side.
When Hull returned to the floor, her right forehead showed a visible knot and significant swelling. Despite the obvious injury, she gutted out 23 minutes of action, contributing five points and nine rebounds in the Fever’s dominant 95-75 victory.
The real aftermath became clear the next day when Hull developed what medical professionals describe as “raccoon eyes” – two massive black shiners that told the story of the collision.
Lexie Hull looks like she just went 12 rounds with prime Mike Tyson 😠pic.twitter.com/Z3f9FOsfwL
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) August 29, 2025
Hull later shared her experience with Chloe Peterson of IndyStarSports, keeping her sense of humor intact despite the circumstances. Her account revealed the surprising progression of the injury and her pragmatic approach to dealing with the visible aftermath.
“So when it happened, I had a photoshoot on Wednesday on our off day. Originally, I was like, I just need to get the swelling to go down in my forehead. So I put on a patch, slept with it. The next day, I woke up and I was like, ‘The bump is almost gone, but now I have two black eyes.’ So that was tragic, but at this point, unfortunately, I won’t be able to hide it. People know. So I’m just rolling with it.”
Fortunately, Hull found help from her makeup team, who managed to minimize the visual impact for her scheduled photoshoot. Her relief was evident as she described the collaborative effort to make the situation workable.
“The makeup artist did a really, really, really good job. And people that hadn’t met me before were like, ‘Oh, I can’t even tell.’ I’m like, OK. That’s good. We’ll take it. But I’m hoping they do some editing in post.”
Talked to Lexie Hull post shootaround about her two black eyes, the magic of makeup artists, and the relief she felt when she found out she didn’t have a concussion or facial fracture: pic.twitter.com/m60YzJ2lN7
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 29, 2025
Despite the dramatic appearance of her injuries, Hull avoided both a concussion and a facial fracture. She suited up for the Fever’s next game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, contributing five points, five rebounds, and four assists across 27 minutes in their narrow 76-75 victory. Her competitive fire remained intact, earning her a technical foul when she demanded a whistle on a no-call involving teammate Kelsey Mitchell.
How Are the Fever Still Fighting Through Adversity for a Playoff Berth?
Hull’s injury represents just another chapter in the Fever’s challenging 2025 campaign. The team has navigated a constant stream of injuries, questionable officiating decisions, and intense scrutiny throughout the season. Caitlin Clark has been vocal about officiating inconsistencies, while Hull hasn’t hesitated to show her frustration with referee decisions either.
Through all the adversity, the Fever found a way to stay composed in their victory over Los Angeles. Aliyah Boston led the charge with 22 points, providing the offensive stability the team needed in a crucial game. The win capped off back-to-back victories after a disappointing two-game skid against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx.
Indiana now sits at 21-18, maintaining their grip on the sixth seed in the playoff race. While a postseason berth remains within reach, roster depth continues to present challenges as injuries mount.
Coach Stephanie White captured the team’s feelings about Hull’s condition with both sympathy and admiration.
“Every time I see her, I’m like, ‘Oh, poor Lexie.'”
But White also emphasized Hull’s toughness and how that mentality elevates the entire roster, particularly during difficult stretches like this one.
“She’s tough as nails, you know. She plays all out, every possession, all the time, and sometimes the result is two black eyes, and so I smile every time I see her. And but it definitely is a picture perfect viewpoint of the toughness that she brings.”
The Fever may be battered and bruised as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. However, if Hull’s resilience and ability to find humor in adversity reflect the team’s overall mentality, they won’t be backing down from their playoff chase anytime soon.
