The Indiana Fever’s recent stretch of games has been a crucible of sorts, testing the team’s chemistry and revealing underlying tensions.

While the spotlight has largely been on the undeniable talent of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, a subtler, yet equally significant, drama has been unfolding on the court, involving veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell and her conspicuous reluctance to pass the ball to Sophie Cunningham.

This pattern, initially dismissed as mere game-flow quirks, has now intensified to the point where it’s drawing significant criticism, with many observers suggesting Mitchell’s actions are a deliberate attempt to limit Cunningham’s touches in favor of protecting Clark’s role as the team’s primary offensive initiator and, by extension, her image.

The narrative surrounding Caitlin Clark since her arrival in the WNBA has been one of unprecedented attention and immense pressure to perform as the singular focal point of the Fever’s offense. Every shot, every assist, every turnover is dissected under a microscope, amplified by a ravenous media cycle.

To that end, the team’s strategy has often revolved around maximizing Clark’s opportunities, ensuring the ball is in her hands to create. However, this focus has, at times, come at the expense of other talented players, most notably Sophie Cunningham, who arrived with a reputation as a versatile scorer and a high-energy player capable of stretching defenses.

In recent games, the data, both anecdotal and statistical, has become increasingly compelling. There have been numerous instances where Cunningham is open, calling for the ball, positioned in advantageous scoring spots – whether on the wing for a three-pointer, cutting to the basket, or posting up a smaller defender – only for Mitchell to ignore her.

Instead, Mitchell often opts for a more contested shot herself, dribbles into traffic, or forces a pass to another teammate, even when the play clearly dictates a feed to Cunningham. The repeated nature of these non-passes has moved beyond coincidence and into the realm of a discernible pattern, fueling speculation about Mitchell’s intentions.

The frustration on Sophie Cunningham’s face has been visibly growing. A player known for her expressive demeanor, she’s been seen throwing up her hands in exasperation, shrugging in disbelief, or shaking her head after a missed opportunity where she was clearly open.

While professional athletes are trained to maintain composure, the cumulative effect of being consistently overlooked can chip away at morale and create palpable tension within a team. Her limited offensive touches, despite her proven ability to score, have become a sore point for her and for a segment of the Fever fanbase who recognize her potential contribution.

Critics of Mitchell’s alleged behavior argue that it stifles the team’s offensive potential. A balanced offense, where multiple players are involved and feel empowered, is generally more effective and harder to guard. By seemingly freezing out Cunningham, Mitchell not only limits a valuable scoring option but also makes the Fever’s offensive sets more predictable.

This perceived lack of trust or willingness to share the offensive load with Cunningham creates unnecessary friction and could lead to broader team chemistry issues, undermining the very cohesion necessary for sustained success.

The “Protect Caitlin Clark” angle adds a layer of intrigue and controversy to Mitchell’s actions. Some analysts and fans speculate that Mitchell, as a veteran leader and the team’s most established scorer prior to Clark’s arrival, feels a personal responsibility to ensure Clark thrives as the primary playmaker.

This could manifest as an unconscious bias to funnel touches to Clark, or even a deliberate decision to limit other secondary ball-handlers or scorers, like Cunningham, to solidify Clark’s position as the unquestioned offensive engine.

The argument suggests that by minimizing Cunningham’s involvement, Mitchell effectively removes a potential competitor for offensive touches and ensures Clark remains the central figure in the team’s attack, alleviating some of the pressure on the rookie to consistently initiate everything.

While no direct statements from Mitchell or the Fever coaching staff have confirmed this theory, the pattern of play speaks volumes. The narrative of “protecting” Clark isn’t necessarily about malice towards Cunningham, but perhaps a misguided attempt to manage team dynamics under intense public scrutiny.

It could be an overcompensation for the pressure on Clark, an effort to make her transition smoother by ensuring she has maximal offensive control, even if it comes at the expense of other players’ opportunities and overall team efficiency.

The situation puts Coach Stephanie White in a precarious position. She must address the team’s chemistry, ensure fair offensive distribution, and maximize every player’s potential without disrupting the delicate balance around her star rookie.

Ignoring the issue risks alienating Cunningham and creating a rift in the locker room. Confronting Mitchell directly about her passing habits might be necessary, but it also carries the risk of fracturing the relationship with her veteran leader. It’s a complex leadership challenge that demands careful navigation.

For Kelsey Mitchell, the criticism is undeniable. While her own scoring prowess is undeniable, her role as a leader involves more than just putting points on the board. It requires facilitating, empowering teammates, and fostering a cohesive offensive unit.

The perception that she is deliberately withholding passes from a capable teammate for ulterior motives, whether conscious or unconscious, is a serious accusation that she will need to address, either through her play or through a more balanced approach to distributing the ball.

As the Fever continues its season, all eyes will be on the interactions between Mitchell, Cunningham, and Clark. The success of any team hinges on its ability to function as a unified whole.

If the alleged pattern of non-passes continues, and the tensions persist, it could ultimately derail the Fever’s playoff aspirations and hinder the development of a truly cohesive and dynamic offensive unit, regardless of Caitlin Clark’s individual brilliance. The ball, in more ways than one, is now in Kelsey Mitchell’s court.