Aari McDonald’s Fever Debut Turns Heads as Indiana Defeats Mystics — Kelsey Mitchell Shines

The Indiana Fever scored a confidence-boosting win over the Washington Mystics, but it wasn’t just the victory that had fans talking — it was Aari McDonald’s eye-opening debut in a Fever jersey and Kelsey Mitchell’s impressive redemption performance.

Aari McDonald: Quick Impact

Recently signed to help bolster the backcourt while Caitlin Clark nurses a minor issue, McDonald wasted no time proving her value:

Defensive presence: She disrupted passing lanes and put pressure on the Mystics’ guards.
Fast-break energy: Her speed in transition gave the Fever a new offensive dimension.
Poise under pressure: Despite just joining the roster, McDonald looked confident running plays and controlling tempo.

She finished the night with 9 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals — and more importantly, helped keep the offense flowing efficiently when Clark sat.

Kelsey Mitchell’s Bounce Back

After a rough shooting stretch earlier in the season, Mitchell reminded everyone of her scoring ability:

She posted a game-high 24 points on high efficiency.
Her perimeter shooting and clutch buckets in the third quarter helped seal the win.
Mitchell’s leadership on the floor was evident, especially with a younger rotation.

“I just stayed ready,” Mitchell said postgame. “I trust my game, and tonight was about doing whatever the team needed.”

Team Chemistry on the Rise

The Fever’s locker room energy was noticeably upbeat after the game. Players praised each other for stepping up and credited the win to improved ball movement, aggressive defense, and bench contributions — including McDonald’s.

Caitlin Clark, while quieter in terms of stats, supported McDonald from the bench and celebrated every play, showing the team’s growing unity.

Next Up

The Fever now look to build momentum as they face a tougher stretch ahead. With McDonald settling in and Mitchell rediscovering her form, Indiana fans have reason to be optimistic.

📌 Game recap and highlights: WNBA.com
🎥 Post-game reaction: Indiana Fever on YouTube