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Fever's Season Ends as Clark and Mitchell Falter
Confirmed
In Short: Bleacher Report suggests that if Mitchell does not return, the Fever could explore a trade for Kayla McBride, who had an All-WNBA caliber season.
The Indiana Fever's 2026 season came to an end on Thursday with a 94-83 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs.
Clark, who had been dominant in the previous game, shot 2-12 from the field, missed all seven of her three-point attempts, and turned the ball over five times.
Mitchell, who had a standout performance in the second game, scored eight points in the fourth quarter, but still shot only 4-18 from the field.
The Fever fought deep into the fourth quarter, but A'ja Wilson's MVP-caliber performance proved too much to overcome.
The loss marks the second consecutive season where Indiana's playoff run ended in a do-or-die game in Las Vegas.
The biggest question now is whether Kelsey Mitchell will re-sign with the team or seek free agency elsewhere.
Bleacher Report suggests that if Mitchell does not return, the Fever could explore a trade for Kayla McBride, who had an All-WNBA caliber season.
McBride is known for her movement shooting and elite screening abilities, making her an excellent fit alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Fans and analysts alike are discussing the team's future, with some pointing to the need for a new strategy to support Clark and Mitchell's scoring prowess.
The Fever's season, while not a failure, highlighted the need for more consistent performances from their key players in high-pressure situations.
What this adds
The sources have not established the specific trade details or the likelihood of Mitchell's return to the team.
The Fever's performance in the fourth quarter showed potential, but it was not enough to overcome the Aces' strong defense and A'ja Wilson's MVP-level play.
What's confirmed
- The Indiana Fever's 2026 season came to an end on Thursday with a 94-83 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs.
- Clark, who had been dominant in the previous game, shot 2-12 from the field, missed all seven of her three-point attempts, and turned the ball over five times.
- Mitchell, who had a standout performance in the second game, scored eight points in the fourth quarter, but still shot only 4-18 from the field.
- The Fever fought deep into the fourth quarter, but A'ja Wilson's MVP-caliber performance proved too much to overcome.
- The loss marks the second consecutive season where Indiana's playoff run ended in a do-or-die game in Las Vegas.
- The biggest question now is whether Kelsey Mitchell will re-sign with the team or seek free agency elsewhere.
- Bleacher Report suggests that if Mitchell does not return, the Fever could explore a trade for Kayla McBride, who had an All-WNBA caliber season.
- McBride is known for her movement shooting and elite screening abilities, making her an excellent fit alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
- Fans and analysts alike are discussing the team's future, with some pointing to the need for a new strategy to support Clark and Mitchell's scoring prowess.
- The Fever's season, while not a failure, highlighted the need for more consistent performances from their key players in high-pressure situations.
What's still developing
- With that said, here are four trade ideas Indiana should consider this offseason, whether Mitchell returns or not.
- Assuming Collier doesn't end up in Indiana (which, frankly, would be the dream scenario for the Fever), what if Indiana explored a trade for Kayla McBride, who is coming off an All-WNBA-caliber season?
- And on a night when A’ja Wilson again was in MVP form, Indiana was scratching and clawing just to stay within arms reach of the Aces for most of the night.
- The end result was hoping one of Clark and Mitchell could catch fire to save the season down the stretch, but neither could find their groove as the season ticked away.
- Then in Game 2 on Tuesday night in Indiana, Clark’s shots started falling and the offense exploded, as CC had 14 points and 11 assists at the half.
- Anything To Take Attention Away From The A** Whooping Caitlin Handed Out To Her “Aja playing victim card,” one fan said on X.
- “I’m so glad she came out and admitted she over reacted,” one Aces fan said, The NBA released a statement saying that the fan didn’t violate any rule of conduct and they consider the matter closed.
- Clark Dominated Game 2 With 27 points, 15 assists, 7 Rebounds Caitlin Clark joined the “NightCap” crew on Prime after her record-setting game.
- “Caitlin came out and was controlling the pace,” co-host Swin Cash said in the postgame show.
- Clark has hit many big shots in her career but admits that she was leaving nothing to chance at halftime and feeling the pressure of facing elimination.
- “I threw up everything in my stomach at halftime, just because I was that gassed. It just means we are working hard and are only guaranteed another 40 minutes. Proud of us for the way we were able to close it,” Clark added.
- With Clark’s stat-stuffing first half she becmae the first player in WNBA history to have double digit points and assists at the half of a playoff game.