Even when the star falters, the right team effort can shine through. That’s exactly what happened for the Indiana Fever.

It wasn’t Caitlin Clark’s best night — not even close. The No. 1 overall pick and most hyped rookie in WNBA history looked out of rhythm, finishing with low shooting percentages, a handful of turnovers, and visible frustration as defenses swarmed her from the tip.

But here’s the story that matters more than the stat sheet: The Indiana Fever still got the win.

Why? Because the team stepped up. And for the first time this season, the X factors showed up big.

Caitlin Clark: A Rough Night in the Office

Clark came into the game averaging double digits and setting records for a rookie guard, but tonight wasn’t about her scoring wizardry or logo threes.

Field goals? Off.

Timing? A step slow.

Turnovers? Too many.

Still, her presence — even on a bad night — continued to stretch the floor and demand attention. But instead of forcing it, Clark trusted her teammates — and that trust paid off.

“I didn’t have it tonight,” Clark said postgame. “But they did. And that’s what a real team does.”

X Factor 1: Kelsey Mitchell’s Leadership

When the game needed stabilizing, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell took control. She poured in key buckets when the offense sputtered and slowed things down when the pace got chaotic.

Her shot-making down the stretch — combined with her calm demeanor — was exactly the leadership this young Fever team needed.

“Kelsey was the rock,” said head coach Christie Sides. “She’s seen it all, and tonight, she showed why she’s still one of the most underrated guards in the league.”

X Factor 2: NaLyssa Smith’s Paint Dominance

NaLyssa Smith quietly had one of her best all-around performances of the season — bullying defenders on the block, cleaning the glass, and running the floor with purpose.

Her energy was infectious. Her interior defense, timely. Her rebounding? Game-saving.

She may not trend on social media like Clark, but make no mistake: Smith was the engine tonight.

X Factor 3: The Bench Came to Play

Finally — and this can’t be overstated — the Fever’s bench showed real spark. Whether it was hustle plays, second-chance points, or just smart, efficient minutes that gave Clark and Mitchell time to breathe, the reserves came in ready.

This was the kind of game where every possession mattered, and the bench made sure they didn’t waste theirs.

The Bigger Picture: Winning Without Your Star Shining

The best teams aren’t the ones that win when everything goes right. They’re the ones that find a way when their best player is off — and tonight, the Fever proved they can do that.

Caitlin Clark will bounce back — no one doubts that. But what the Fever showed tonight is even more important long-term: they’re not just “The Caitlin Clark Show.” They’re becoming a real team.

Final Word: This Is What Growth Looks Like

If you’re an Indiana Fever fan, tonight should give you hope. Not because of a highlight, or a stat line — but because this was a gritty, grown-up win.

And if this young team can keep getting contributions from the X factors?
They’re going to be dangerous — even when Caitlin Clark isn’t perfect.