The 2024 Indiana Fever’s resurgence was largely driven by rookie guard Kate Rinklerk, who impressed by averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, becoming the first true rookie to lead the league in assists. Alongside Rinklerk, Aliya Boston and veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell also made significant contributions, with Mitchell matching Rinklerk’s 19.2 points per game and shooting 40.2% from three-point range.
On Monday, following the team’s third consecutive loss, a reporter asked Mitchell about June historically being a strong month for her. Mitchell responded candidly, emphasizing the importance of gaining game experience to find her rhythm. The Fever concluded the season with a 20-20 record and were optimistic heading into the 2025 WNBA season after making the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
However, the team hit a setback when Rinklerk suffered a left quadriceps strain on May 24, sidelining her for at least two weeks and leaving the team without their main playmaker. Without her, the Fever dropped back-to-back games against the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun, falling to a 2-4 record and slipping to eighth place in the standings.
Looking ahead, the Fever face a rematch with the Mystics and a game against the Chicago Sky in the Commissioners Cup. As a two-time All-Star and a key scorer, Mitchell’s performance and confidence will be crucial for the Fever to regain momentum and compete at a high level.
Fan Take: This update highlights the challenges and resilience of the Indiana Fever, a team that has shown promise but now faces adversity with key injuries. For WNBA fans, Mitchell’s leadership and the emergence of rookies like Rinklerk symbolize the exciting growth and increasing competitiveness of the league.
