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‘I Don’t Understand Why She’s Opening (DMs)’ — WNBA Analyst Hits Back at Kelsey Mitchell’s Fan Complaint About Playing With Caitlin Clark

WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita weighed in on the ongoing debate over player-fan interactions after Kelsey Mitchell addressed criticism from Indiana Fever supporters. Mitchell, who dominated the regular season with a career-high 24.7 points per game and shattered A’ja Wilson’s single-season scoring record with 1,086 points, faced backlash during the team’s first-round playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces.

Though she led Indiana with 23 points in the decisive Game 3 loss, her 7-of-23 shooting performance fueled fan frustration, which Mitchell acknowledged in exit interviews by referencing the hate messages she receives. DeMita, a long-time Fever observer, dismissed Mitchell’s focus on direct messages, questioning why any public figure would engage with them at all.

She framed the criticism as an inevitable part of elite athleticism, comparing it to the pressure NFL kickers face when missing high-stakes field goals. The exchange underscores the growing tension between WNBA stars and their supporters, particularly as social media scrutiny intensifies during playoff moments.

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