Kelsey Mitchell Joins WNBA Royalty With Diana Taurasi
“Inspired by you, Kelz!” That was Lexie Hull’s heartfelt tribute to Kelsey Mitchell, and it couldn’t be more accurate. While the spotlight often shifts to younger stars and viral moments, Mitchell has been the quiet force keeping the Indiana Fever grounded through the chaos.
She’s the glue of this franchise, playing her entire eight-year career in Indiana. Sticking it out through rebuilding seasons, and stepping up when the roster is hit by injuries. In 2022, she endured a brutal 5-31 season. But now? She’s putting together one of the most underrated comeback arcs in recent WNBA history.
Right after the All-Star break, Mitchell lit up the court against the New York Liberty, leading Indiana in scoring and helping them take a third-quarter lead. That performance pushed her into WNBA history books, becoming just the fourth player ever to hit 50+ three-pointers in each of her first eight seasons. The only other players to do it? Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Katie Smith. That’s rare air.
Read More: Caitlin Clark, Fever Labeled ‘Championship Contender’ by WNBA Legend
ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo Praises Kelsey’s Next-Level Evolution
Rebecca Lobo, calling the game for ESPN, took a moment to emphasize just how special Mitchell’s evolution has been.
“This is royalty,” Lobo said of the exclusive 50-threes club Mitchell just joined. But what really caught her eye was how Mitchell has changed over the past two seasons. “She’s quicker, sharper, leaner,” Lobo explained. While crediting a football trainer for transforming her movement and agility.
“You’re gonna watch her and be like, oh my god, that’s different,” Lobo added, comparing Mitchell’s new cutting style to that of an NFL defensive back.
“She’s a little DB out there,” she joked. “I think the Colts need to sign her to some action.”
Mitchell may not always make the headlines, but she continues to make history, and now the whole league is starting to notice.
Read More: 25 NBA Stars Who Carried Themselves Like Basketball Royalty
