Caitlin Clark might hog the WNBA limelight, but it was Kelsey Mitchell who stunned Olivia Miles with her talents as the Minnesota Lynx claimed an impressive 108-100 victory over championship rivals, the Indiana Fever. The Rookie of the Year favourite claimed, "Kelsey Mitchell is legit one of the best basketball players I have ever seen." -- proving Clark might not be the only talisman in Indiana.
As expected, the game previews built anticipation surrounding Olivia Miles and Caitlin Clark, with both franchise stars holding ambitions of championship success. However, as the game unfolded, it was clear that Miles' real foe was Kelsey Mitchell -- with both players chalking up 23 first-half points in breathtaking fashion.
When asked by ESPN reporter Holly Rowe at the half-time break about facing off against Caitlin Clark, Miles stated, "Kelsey Mitchell is really the one that's killing us."
The Lynx rookie then continued by saying she was "in awe" of Mitchell and that "this is lowkey my welcome to the W moment, just trying to guard her." Miles isn't denying Caitlin Clark's talent, but her comments highlight that her veteran teammate is just as important to the franchise's ambitious vision.
"This is lowkey my welcome to the W moment, just trying to guard her."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 2, 2026
—Olivia Miles told @sportsiren that she was "in awe" facing Kelsey Mitchell 😂 pic.twitter.com/IEzBybL6ib
Kelsey Mitchell will be critical to Indiana's success
Nobody is denying what Caitlin Clark can do at her very best, but Kelsey Mitchell's talent and veteran experience are going to go a long way in helping the Fever etch their name in WNBA history. Without her on the floor, it is hard to believe that Indiana will even come close to clinching their first championship trophy in 14 years.
At 30 years old, Mitchell may potentially be in the twilight of her career, but she will still believe that success lies in her future -- and she continues to exhibit that relentless mindset. Throughout the 2026 season, the offensive powerhouse has averaged a career-high 24 points per game, while shooting 50.2% from the floor and an incredible 43.8% from deep.
Any championship-driven roster needs a superstar who can flip a switch and record an astonishing number of points in the blink of an eye -- much like Olivia Miles herself. Against the Lynx, Mitchell recorded a season-high 37 points in 35 minutes of action.
Trying to compare Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark is like yin and yang; can one be as devastating without the other? Would Mitchell's scoring thrive without Clark's playmaking? Would Clark's playmaking be as prevalent without Mitchell's scoring?
Regardless of what the right answer is, the Indiana Fever have simply no chance of winning a championship if Kelsey Mitchell isn't healthy and put in a position to showcase her elite offensive skill set.
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