$1.6m Fever Signing Under Fire as Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Others Shine For Indiana

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell guided the Indiana Fever to a win before the break.

$1.6m Fever Signing Under Fire as Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Others Shine For Indiana

Caitlin Clark, Monique Billings, Myisha Hines-Allen and Sophie Cunningham (Image credits - Sports Illustrated)

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are heading into the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in fine form. After a minor blip where they lost two consecutive games, the Fever bounced back and have won two games in a row.

The Fever put on a masterclass offensive display after a slow start, posting a convincing 111-91 win over the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. It was their seventh win in their last 10 games.

The win improved the Fever’s record to 26-14 as they sit in fourth place in the standings and have already sealed their playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Sun were among the first teams eliminated from playoff contention and now sit in 14th place in the standings.

While the Fever delivered a complete display, one player struggled to find her footing. Monique Billings joined the franchise on a two-year, $1.6 million deal as a free agent before the 2026 campaign got underway.

Following the game, Fever reporter Scott Agness was critical of Billings’ performance on Friday night.

The Fever gave a monster offseason contract to Monique Billings. She played just over seven minutes in this game – zero points and two rebounds. She got a two-year, $1.6 million contract and barely made an impact at al if at all in this game.

Scott Agness on his YouTube stream

Billings was seen as a solid addition to the team in the offseason. Drafted by the Atlanta Dream as the 15th pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, she is currently playing in her ninth season in the league.

Her move was praised by many, as she is known for her high energy and rebounding ability. She also brings in some much-needed veteran presence to a young Fever team. However, she has not been playing at the level many expected her to, considering her contract. She is currently averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 39 appearances.

The Fever are seen as title contenders heading into the playoffs. With just four games to go in the regular season after the break, they will need Billings to improve, as their bench is expected to step up in the postseason.

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Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell were unstoppable against the Sun

Both Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell have been unstoppable this season. The duo have formed a solid on-court partnership and are undoubtedly the best backcourt in the league today. Some have even gone as far as to call them the greatest backcourt in WNBA history.

Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark
Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

Their performances this season have led to suggestions that both of them deserve to win the MVP award. Mitchell leads the team in scoring as she averages 25 points per game, while Clark is averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists.

On Friday night, both guards put on a show, combining for 68 points. They each scored 34 points and shot 63% from the field. Clark recorded a triple-double, as she had 12 assists to her name as well.

Clark will be taking part in the World Cup, while Mitchell was not named in the 12-player roster despite her strong performances this season. Mitchell will have the opportunity to rest up well before the season resumes.

Skip Bayless calls Caitlin Clark the best player in the WNBA

Ever since Caitlin Clark was drafted by the Fever as the number one pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she has been destined for greatness. No player in WNBA history has carried the hype and expectations on their shoulders like she has.

After struggling with injuries last year, Clark has started to show that she is ready to take the next step in her career. Her double-double on Friday saw her become the first player in WNBA history with consecutive games of 30 points and 10 assists.

After the game, popular sports journalist Skip Bayless, who is a close follower of Clark, rated the 24-year-old as the best player in the league. He took to his X account and posted:

Caitlin Clark is the best player in the WNBA.

Skip Bayless on X

All eyes will be on Clark during the World Cup and after she returns to the WNBA. If she can lead her team to a championship, she will be the undisputed face of the league for years to come.

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