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Caitlin Clark has been nursing an injured back over the past couple of weeks. She returned on Sunday to help the Indiana Fever secure a 109-75 statement win over the Las Vegas Aces. However, Clark’s back issue forced her to sit out three out of her team’s previous four games.
Carrying the load for the Fever over that stretch was four-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell. The 5-foot-8 guard has been the central figure in head coach Stephanie White’s offense all season, and Clark’s absence required Mitchell to step up her game even more.
As always, the 30-year-old veteran answered the call. Last week, Mitchell led the Fever to a 2-1 record amid a four-game road trip. Clark missed two of those games, but Mitchell and Co. still won despite their cornerstone superstar’s absence.
Caitlin Clark reacts to Indiana Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell’s latest honor
Mitchell’s strong play led to another WNBA honor for the former No. 2 overall pick. The league announced on Tuesday that the Fever guard has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for July 2 to 12.
The Fever also announced the news via an Instagram post, which drew a subtle reaction from Clark. She shared the post on her Instagram stories without a caption. Clark had no words, instead letting the graphic — and Mitchell’s numbers — do the talking.
In 23 games played this season, Mitchell is averaging a team- and career-high 22.7 points on 48.8% shooting, 1.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 32.5 minutes per contest. She’s also knocking down 2.7 triples per game on a 40.5% clip.
Both Mitchell and Clark will return to the court on Wednesday as the Fever host the Golden State Valkyries. They will look to improve on their 14-9 record, which currently has them fifth in the standings.
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