LAS VEGAS -- Kelsey Mitchell was speaking with reporters ahead of the Indiana Fever 's opening game of the WNBA semifinals when shouts from across the court interrupted the guard.

"Kelsey for MVP, baby!" yelled teammate Sophie Cunningham .

Mitchell cracked a smile, chuckled and tried to stay on topic, answering a question about the Fever defense going up against the high-octane offense of the Las Vegas Aces . But the good-natured heckling from Indiana's injured players continued.

"Vote for Mitchell!" Caitlin Clark shouted.

The next day, for the first time in her WNBA career, Mitchell was named one of five finalists for the MVP award. But something even more consequential happened on the court Sunday: She scored 34 points on 12-for-23 shooting -- the most points by a WNBA play

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