The Indiana Fever vs Minnesota Lynx game at Target Center once again reminded fans about the league’s physicality. The Fever side already has three players out for the season due to injuries. During the game against the Lynx, they nearly lost two more stars – Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell. Both players were hit on the face on two different occasions and fell hard on the floor.
Hull’s hard fall came in the fourth quarter, with Aliyah Boston was shocked by the hard foul on her teammate. Mitchell also took hit in the third quarter, and the offender, received flagrant foul for her actions.
Jessica Shepard Hits Kelsey Mitchell On The Face
Jessica Shepard hit the Fever guard, and the moment came in the third quarter of the game. The 29-year-old guard was looking to guard Shepard closely. The Lynx star swung her left arm, hitting the defender on the face.
Mitchell quickly fell on the court and took time to get up. Injuries had already crippled the Fever franchise, and any similar worrisome report for another star player would have impacted their chances of qualification for the postseason games.
During the timeout, the Fever trainer, Todd Champlin, checked on the player while officials reviewed the foul. As per the Indystar reporter Chloe Peterson, Shepard received a flagrant foul.
Ironically, KM faced a similar incident in the past against the Lynx. On August 3, Dorka Juhász, another Lynx player, hit the former Ohio State player on the face while defending her. The guard fell on the court, but carried on playing later.
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Kelsey Mitchell gets a hard hit to the face from Jessica Shepard and falls to the ground clutching her face in pain.
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 25, 2025
Stood up after a while, she’s now getting checked out by trainer Todd Champlin as officials review the play. pic.twitter.com/YOTvTZ0Vxj
Head Coach Stephanie White was vocal about the officials’ double standards against her side. She singled out Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, who hardly get foul calls and constantly face physicality during games.
Kelsey Mitchell Shines Despite A Hit On The Face
Luckily for the Indiana Fever, the explosive offensive star continued her form and tried to put her side close to the Lynx’s total. She extended her franchise record for 20+ points in a single season with a 26-point performance at Target Center. This was her 21st game with 20 or more points.
In Caitlin Clark’s absence, the three-time All-Star took control of the offense and now leads the league in total points scored. Indiana’s side will want her to continue to excel on the offensive end, which will give the side hope of qualifying for the playoffs.