Lexie Hull fuels Fever with career night in hard-fought 95-90 loss to Lynx
INDIANAPOLIS — Lexie Hull tapped into everything she had left in a depleted Fever lineup, delivering a career-best 23 points with four rebounds, two assists and two steals as Indiana butted heads with league-leading Minnesota. Hull opened the game with back-to-back 3-pointers and finished with a 4-for-5 first half to help Indiana trim a sizable deficit before the break. Her late-season surge helped push the Fever to the edge, but Minnesota held on for a 95-90 victory.
Hull’s 23 points eclipsed her previous season high of 17, and she got ample help from Kelsey Mitchell, who supplied 27 points and five assists, including a 5-for-7 showing from beyond the arc. Mitchell took the scoring load in the second half as Minnesota began to clamp down defensively on Hull, but the Fever answered with a determined rally.
Indiana entered the game shorthanded, missing four guards and Chloe Bibby, leaving just nine players available. Despite the limitations, the Fever battled throughout, trailing by as many as 14 in the fourth before a late push cut the gap to five. Indiana outscored the Lynx 21-13 in the final period, underscoring the team’s resilience.
“The whole group has to do a little extra when a few guys are out,” Hull said afterward. “That was my mindset going in, and it feels good to see the ball go in.” Her strong start set the tone for a gritty performance across the roster.
Mitchell added that the team’s togetherness remains central to their approach. Aliyah Boston highlighted the shared mindset in the locker room, noting that the Fever take pride in facing adversity head-on. Indiana’s leadership and commitment to its culture were evident in pregame displays, with every Fever player and the coaching staff wearing “MVP Mitchell” shirts in support of Mitchell’s bid for league MVP.
Coach Stephanie White spoke to the broader significance of the Fever’s approach, praising the group’s character and the culture developing in Indianapolis. “This is a special group of women,” White said. “Their hearts and competitive spirit carry them through the toughest moments, and that is what allows us to withstand storms.”
Notes and takeaways
– Hull’s breakout performance came in a game where Indiana leaned heavily on younger players and reserves due to injuries.
– Mitchell’s consistency in the second half proved pivotal, especially from long range.
– The Fever showed continued progress in team chemistry and resilience even in defeat.
– The MVP-themed gesture reflected the camaraderie and supportive environment that coaches and players have emphasized this season.
The Fever will look to build on the momentum of their late rally and the growth shown by Hull as they navigate a challenging schedule with a thinner rotation. Bottom line: Hull’s career night showcased Indiana’s depth and culture, and the team’s belief in each other is helping them stay competitive despite adversity.