Sue Bird revealed that Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell is the hardest player to guard, according to most WNBA players and coaches.
Seattle Storm sophomore Dominique Malonga was a recent guest on the WNBA icon’s podcast, “Bird’s Eye View.” At one point in the episode, Bird asked Malonga who she thought was the toughest defensive matchup in the league.
The second overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft said that it had to be Mitchell. Bird wasn’t surprised by her answer.
In fact, the four-time WNBA champion even solidified this claim by sharing the same sentiment from other WNBA players and coaches about Mitchell.
“I’ve asked a version of a question like that,” Bird said. “Maybe it’s like, ‘Who’s the hardest to guard?’ Every single player I’ve asked at this pod, with the NBC role. We’ve asked coaches that question, ‘Who’s the hardest to game plan?’ Across the board, Kelsey Mitchell. Across the board.”
Mitchell has been spearheading the offense for the Fever this season, averaging a team-high 24.2 points per game. The four-time All-Star is also putting up 1.7 boards, 2.7 dimes and 1.0 steals in 35 appearances this season.
In her last game, Mitchell finished with 20 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal to help the Fever secure a 95-91 overtime win against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
Next up for Mitchell and Indiana is the second game of their five-game road trip. They are set to face the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. The Fever are looking to extend their current win streak to five.
