The Indiana Fever suffered a narrow 85-83 loss to the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, marking their third defeat in a row and second consecutive game without their star guard Caitlin Clark. Despite a strong late push, the Fever were unable to hold off the Sun, powered by Marina Mabrey’s 26 points and veteran Tina Charles’ 18, snapping Connecticut’s early-season slump with a tough victory over the undermanned Fever.
Lexie Hull Gains Attention as Fever Seeks Leadership
Following the defeat that left Indiana with a 2-4 record, fans turned their focus to rookie guard Lexie Hull as a potential leader during the team’s struggles without Clark. One fan on social media posted,
Lexie Hull you are our only hope. #MVP,
alongside a highlight reel showcasing Hull’s 36-point performance in Stanford’s 2022 NCAA Tournament win over Kansas.
Hull’s basketball journey began at Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley, Washington, before she committed to Stanford University in 2018. Initially contributing off the bench in her freshman year with averages of 5.6 points and 4.7 rebounds, she developed into a pivotal two-way player throughout her college career.
College Success Sets Stage for Professional Growth
During the 2019-20 season, Hull averaged 13.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, earning spots on the All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Defensive Teams. Her junior year saw consistent production with 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per contest while helping Stanford capture the NCAA Championship in 2021.
Indiana selected Hull with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Since joining the Fever, her performance has steadily improved, culminating in the 2024 season when she posted a career-high average of 5.5 points in nearly 20 minutes across 34 games, signaling her growing role within the team.
Questions Remain about Caitlin Clark’s Return and Team Outlook
Despite Hull’s emergence as a key player for Indiana Fever, uncertainty lingers around the timing of Caitlin Clark’s return to full health. The team’s ability to stay competitive during her absence remains in question as they struggle to find consistent success without their leading scorer on the court.
As the Fever continue to navigate this challenging phase, Hull’s development and contribution could prove crucial in maintaining the team’s competitiveness in the WNBA season ahead.