As the WNBA playoffs loom, stars from different realms of basketball are converging to share their wealth of experience in the high-stakes atmosphere. Among them is Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, a beacon of scoring prowess, who has turned to none other than Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell for insights as her team gears up for their pivotal return to postseason play.
Kelsey Mitchell: From Ohio State to WNBA Limelight
Kelsey Mitchell, renowned for her sharpshooting capabilities, has been instrumental in reviving the Fever’s playoff aspirations, marking their first foray into the postseason since 2016. Averaging an impressive 19.6 points per game, Mitchell’s on-court brilliance is mirrored by her strategic approach off the court. In a practice session this Wednesday, Mitchell revealed her conversation with D’Angelo Russell, highlighting the depth of their long-standing relationship forged back at Ohio State.
“We go way back. Me and him go back to the point where we trained together at Ohio State. We kind of know each other so, from that perspective, it was good to get a conversation in regards to how [the playoffs] looked,”
Mitchell shared, emphasizing the value of Russell’s playoff experience which spans four appearances, including critical roles in the Lakers’ recent playoff runs.
D’Angelo Russell’s Playoff Insights
Russell’s postseason experiences, albeit mixed, bring a layer of depth to his advice. Despite the Lakers’ varied success in recent playoffs, his personal statistics — with notable averages in points, assists, and rebounds — reflect the intensity and the shift in dynamics that the postseason brings. This nuanced understanding of playoff atmospheres is exactly what Mitchell seeks as she steps into the playoff arena for the first time.
Beyond One-on-One Advice
Further enriching her preparation, Mitchell also consulted New York Knicks‘ Miles McBride, another familiar face from her hometown. McBride’s recent journey with the Knicks through the playoffs offered Mitchell a different perspective on the postseason challenges and strategies.
“I also got a chance to talk to [Miles] McBride…he made a run with the Knicks, so he knew what it was like, too. We’re from the same home town. I like to get as much information as I can so it’s been exciting to hear about it,”
Mitchell elaborated.
A Team Poised for Challenge
The Fever is bolstered by the presence of seasoned players like Temi Fagbenle and Damiris Dantas, both of whom have tasted championship glory with the Lynx, as well as Erica Wheeler, a veteran of the Fever’s 2016 playoff campaign. Their experience is a critical asset to a roster marked by youthful exuberance and debutant nerves.
As the Indiana Fever sets its sights on a deep playoff run, the blend of youthful talent led by Mitchell and seasoned insights from figures like Russell could very well be the formula for success. The Fever’s return to the playoffs is not just a testament to their current roster’s capabilities but also reflects their broader strategy of integrating seasoned insights with dynamic on-court tactics.
In the grand chessboard of basketball, every piece and every move counts, more so in the playoffs, and Kelsey Mitchell is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for postseason glory. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Fever looks not only to compete but to leave an indelible mark on the WNBA postseason narrative.
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