DALLAS – In a season that has often revolved around the absence of its biggest star, the Indiana Fever are proving that their success is a testament to the strength of their collective. Led by a stellar performance from veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever secured a season-high fourth consecutive victory on Friday night, defeating the Dallas Wings 88-78. Mitchell, who tied her season record with 23 points, has emerged as the unequivocal leader of a surging team that is redefining its identity without the injured Caitlin Clark.

The game, which was moved to the American Airlines Center in anticipation of a highly-publicized showdown between Clark and Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, still delivered on the excitement despite Clark missing her sixth consecutive game. With a crowd of 17,857 fans—the second-largest for a regular-season game in Dallas franchise history—the stage was set for a high-stakes battle. And while Bueckers dazzled with 22 points, it was the Fever’s balanced and relentless team effort, spearheaded by Mitchell, that ultimately sealed the win.

Mitchell’s 23-point performance was a masterclass in efficiency and determination. She consistently found her rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down three 3-pointers and showcasing the scoring prowess that has long made her a cornerstone of the Fever franchise. This offensive explosion was the driving force behind a crucial 9-0 burst in the second quarter that allowed Indiana to pull away from a 22-22 tie and take a commanding lead. Her leadership was palpable, guiding the team’s offense and ensuring they maintained their composure even when the Wings attempted to mount a late-game comeback.

But Mitchell was far from a one-woman show. The Fever’s victory was built on the back of an incredible collective effort, particularly from their frontcourt. Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard both delivered dominant double-doubles, an area where the team has found immense success in recent games. Boston finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Howard delivered a career-high tying 16 rebounds to go along with 11 points. Both players also chipped in with five assists, showcasing their versatility and playmaking ability. The team’s plus-14 advantage on the boards, including a plus-10 on the offensive end, was a key factor in their ability to control the pace of the game and create crucial second-chance opportunities.

The victory improves the Fever’s record to 16-12, putting them three games above the .500 mark for the first time since June 2015. This incredible turnaround is particularly noteworthy given the team’s struggles earlier in the season. What’s even more impressive is that they have accomplished this without their star rookie. The team has now improved to 8-7 in games played without Caitlin Clark, a testament to the growth and resilience of a roster that has refused to fold under pressure.

Their opponent, the Dallas Wings, struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm. While Bueckers put on a show with 22 points, she was the only player for Dallas to score in double figures. Star player Arike Ogunbowale was limited to just eight points and did not even play in the fourth quarter, a clear indication of the Fever’s defensive pressure and the Wings’ offensive struggles. The Wings’ reliance on free throws and their inability to hit from beyond the arc—finishing a dismal 2-for-15 from downtown—made it nearly impossible for them to keep up with the Fever’s dynamic offense.

Kelsey Mitchell’s role has become a fascinating subplot in this Fever season. With the spotlight largely focused on Clark, Mitchell has often been a secondary storyline, despite her consistent production. Now, in Clark’s absence, she has stepped into the void and proven to be an elite scorer and a steady leader. Her performance against the Wings, and her stellar play during the team’s four-game winning streak, is a powerful reminder that the Fever have a wealth of talent beyond their high-profile rookie.

The Fever’s ability to thrive without Clark is a hopeful sign for the franchise. It suggests that they are not a one-player team and have developed a championship-caliber core. With Mitchell leading the charge and players like Boston and Howard providing consistent interior dominance, the Fever have become a formidable force in the WNBA. The team will look to continue its winning ways as it heads to Seattle to take on the Storm, a chance to prove once and for all that they are legitimate playoff contenders, with or without their star rookie.