Paige Bueckers reveals why Fever star is WNBA’s hardest player to guard

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Paige Bueckers has already faced many of the WNBA’s most dangerous offensive players during her first two professional seasons. One Indiana Fever star, however, stands above the rest when the Dallas Wings guard considers the league’s most difficult defensive assignments. Bueckers recently named Kelsey Mitchell as the hardest player in the WNBA to guard, pointing to the veteran’s combination of speed, shooting and creativity.

“Right now, I’d probably say Kelsey Mitchell,” Bueckers said. “Because she’s so unpredictable. She’s fast, twitchy, extremely quick, can also shoot. So if you give her space… and she’s just super creative.”

Mitchell reinforced that assessment with a game-high 28 points during Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago.

Kelsey Mitchell shows Paige Bueckers her complete scoring package

Bueckers had already competed against Mitchell three times since entering the WNBA. The All-Star Game gave her an opportunity to experience the Fever guard’s offensive ability from a different perspective. Bueckers captained Team Coop, which also featured Mitchell. The Indiana star delivered one of the best performances of the night, scoring 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting.

Mitchell connected on five of her 11 attempts from beyond the arc, showing exactly why defenders cannot afford to leave her open. Her quickness also allows her to attack closeouts and create scoring opportunities from multiple areas of the floor. That versatility was at the center of Bueckers’ explanation. Mitchell can punish defenders who give her space, but tightly pressuring her creates another problem because she possesses the speed and handle to get into the paint.

Bueckers finished with 12 points and seven assists for Team Coop, but her group fell to Team Spoon, 129-122. Jonquel Jones earned All-Star MVP honors after recording 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the winning team. Fever star Caitlin Clark added 17 points, five assists and four rebounds.

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Mitchell leads Fever into important second half

Mitchell’s All-Star performance was the latest reminder of her importance to Indiana. The Fever entered the break with a 17-10 record and three consecutive victories. They will resume their schedule Tuesday against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.

Indiana will need Mitchell’s scoring as it attempts to climb the standings during the second half of the season. Her ability to stretch defenses, score off the dribble and thrive in transition makes her one of the league’s most difficult players to scheme against. Dallas has enjoyed an even stronger start. The Wings are 18-9 after winning seven of their last eight games, placing them fourth in the standings and one spot ahead of Indiana. Bueckers and the Wings return Wednesday for a home matchup against the Atlanta Dream.

Bueckers has quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s premier guards, but even she recognizes the unique challenge Mitchell presents. Her reasoning was simple: Give Mitchell room, and she can shoot. Crowd her, and she can blow past the defense.

That makes every possession against the Fever star a difficult choice.