Indiana Fever Lose Key Players to Injuries
Introduction
The Indiana Fever have announced that two players, Jessica Breland and Kelsey Mitchell, will be unable to finish the season due to lower body injuries. This comes as a significant blow to the team, as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the competitive WNBA Eastern Conference.
Details of the Injuries
Both Breland and Mitchell suffered their injuries during the Aug. 7 game against the Phoenix Mercury. Breland, a veteran forward, sustained a left calf strain, while Mitchell, a guard, has a right knee injury. These injuries will require extensive recovery time, forcing them to sit out the remainder of the season.
Impact on the Team
Losing two key players at this point in the season will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Indiana Fever's performance. Breland and Mitchell have been major contributors to the team's success this season, with Breland averaging 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and Mitchell averaging 13.4 points per game. The team will need to find ways to compensate for their absence and rally together in order to secure a spot in the playoffs.
About the People Mentioned
Jessica Breland
Jessica Breland is a professional basketball player and WNBA veteran known for her defensive skills and versatility as a forward. She graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2011 and entered the WNBA the same year. Over her nine-season career, she has played for five teams: the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky, and Atlanta Dream. Breland has appeared in 242 WNBA games, starting 180 of them, and has accumulated career totals of 1,766 points, 1,423 rebounds, 324 assists, 328 blocks, and 188 steals. She ranks 12th all-time in blocks per game in WNBA history with an average of 1.3 blocks per game[1][2][3][5]. Breland has earned multiple honors during her career. She was selected as a WNBA All-Star in 2014 after leading the league in blocks while playing for the Chicago Sky. Additionally, she was named to the WNBA First Team All-Defensive Team in 2018 during her tenure with the Atlanta Dream[1][4]. Beyond her on-court achievements, Breland has demonstrated resilience, overcoming significant personal challenges such as a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which required her to pause her basketball career temporarily[6]. In November 2020, Breland joined the Duke University women’s basketball program as an operations intern during the 2020-21 season, reflecting a transition toward roles beyond active play[1]. Her experience and defensive prowess have made her a respected figure in women’s basketball, both for her athletic contributions and her perseverance.
Kelsey Mitchell
Kelsey Marie Mitchell, born on November 26, 1993, in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, is a renowned Canadian track cyclist. She rose to prominence in a remarkably short period, transitioning from a university soccer player to an Olympic champion in cycling. Mitchell's early life was marked by involvement in various sports, including gymnastics, ringette, soccer, and basketball, but she never felt technically strong in any of them. However, she possessed a natural athleticism that would eventually serve her well in track cycling[5]. Mitchell's journey into professional cycling began after attending the RBC Training Ground event in 2017, where she impressed with her physical abilities, despite not owning a bike at the time[1][2]. This led to her recruitment by Cycling Canada, and she quickly adapted to the sport. By May 2018, she was training with the national team, and just a year later, she became a triple medallist at the 2018 Canadian Championships, including a national title in the sprint[1][2]. Kelsey Mitchell's achievements are notable. She won gold in the women's individual sprint and silver in the team sprint at the 2019 Pan American Games. She set a world record at the 2019 Pan American Track Cycling Championships, which laid the groundwork for her Olympic success[2]. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Mitchell claimed the gold medal in the sprint, marking only the second Olympic gold medal for a Canadian track cyclist[1]. Her success has made her a role model, inspiring aspiring athletes with her determination and resilience[3]. Currently, Mitchell continues to be a prominent figure in Canadian track cycling, celebrated for her incredible transition from soccer to becoming an Olympic champion. Her story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and the potential for athletes to excel in new disciplines when given the right opportunities[3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Indiana Fever
The **Indiana Fever** is a professional women’s basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, competing in the Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Founded in 2000 as an expansion team, the Fever is affiliated with the NBA's Indiana Pacers and plays home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse under the ownership of Herb Simon[1][2]. The team’s early years were challenging, posting a poor 9–23 record in their inaugural season. However, the Fever built a strong foundation by drafting star forward **Tamika Catchings** in 2001, who became the franchise’s cornerstone despite missing her rookie season due to injury[1]. Catchings led the team to its first playoff appearance in 2002 and became one of the greatest players in WNBA history, earning multiple MVP awards and Olympic gold medals during her career with the Fever[2]. From 2005 to 2016, the Fever enjoyed a period of sustained success, making the playoffs 12 consecutive seasons. Under head coach Lin Dunn starting in 2008, they reached the WNBA Finals in 2009 and 2012, winning their first and only WNBA championship in 2012 by defeating the Minnesota Lynx. Catchings was named Finals MVP for her outstanding performance throughout the series[1][2]. Since 2017, the Fever have undergone a rebuilding phase, struggling to maintain their earlier competitiveness. However, recent seasons show signs of resurgence. In 2024, the Fever made the playoffs for the first time since 2016, finishing with a 20-20 record. The 2025 season marks their 26th in the league, led by head coach Stephanie White, with a solid 24-20 record and a 3rd place finish in the Eastern Conference[3][4]. Notably, the Fever set a WNBA record for highest resale ticket prices for a preseason game in 2025, reflecting growing fan interest and commercial success
Phoenix Mercury
## Overview The Phoenix Mercury is a professional women’s basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, competing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as part of the Western Conference[1][2]. As one of the league’s original eight franchises, the Mercury has been a cornerstone of women’s professional basketball in the United States since its inception in 1997[1][2]. ## History and Evolution Founded ahead of the WNBA’s inaugural season, the Mercury quickly established itself as a competitive force under the guidance of its first head coach, Cheryl Miller, a Basketball Hall of Famer[2]. The team made the playoffs in its first two seasons and reached the WNBA Finals in 1998, though it fell to the Houston Comets[1][2]. After a period of coaching changes and mixed results in the early 2000s, the Mercury’s fortunes turned around with the arrival of Diana Taurasi, the #1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, who went on to become one of the league’s most iconic players[1]. ## Key Achievements The Mercury’s legacy is defined by its three WNBA championships, won in 2007, 2009, and 2014, making it one of the league’s most successful franchises[1][2]. The team has qualified for the playoffs in 18 of its 28 seasons, a testament to its consistent competitiveness[1]. Notable players who have worn the Mercury jersey include Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, and Penny Taylor[1]. These athletes have not only contributed to the team’s success but have also elevated the profile of women’s basketball globally. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Mercury continues to be a playoff contender, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 27-17 record[3][
