Lexie Hull Battles Injuries to Lead Indiana Fever’s Stunning Playoff Run

Lexie Hull has become a defining figure for the Indiana Fever during the 2025 WNBA season, showcasing remarkable resilience and leadership amid a year marked by injuries and roster instability. Despite suffering multiple injuries, Hull remained committed to her team’s playoff ambitions, helping the Fever reach the semifinals and push the defending champion Las Vegas Aces to a decisive Game 5 overtime thriller.

Hull, a third-year guard out of Stanford, played a pivotal role for the Indiana Fever throughout the 2025 season. She sustained two significant injuries—first an elbow to the face during a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, and later a collision with Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm. Rather than taking time off to recover, Hull chose to play through the pain, driven by a desire to help the Fever secure a playoff berth. Her decision came during a season where the team faced the loss of veteran DeWanna Bonner and multiple injuries to key contributors, forcing the Fever to rely on emergency hardship contracts to fill the roster.

Injury Challenges and Team Commitment

Hull’s season was defined by perseverance. After the elbow injury against Minnesota, she returned to action with visible bruising and swelling. The subsequent collision with Williams further tested her physical limits. “I have played through a lot worse than that,” Hull said postgame, underscoring her commitment to the team’s success. Her toughness became a rallying point for a Fever squad that saw 16 different players activated due to injuries to Caitlin Clark, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Sophie Cunningham.

Despite these setbacks, Hull posted career-best averages: 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Her defensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor with timely three-point shooting helped stabilize the Fever’s rotation during critical stretches.

Quotes and Reactions

Fever head coach Stephanie White praised Hull’s impact, stating, “Lexie’s toughness and leadership have been invaluable. She’s taken on the toughest defensive assignments and never backed down.” Analysts from ESPN and 247Sports echoed this sentiment, highlighting Hull’s playoff performance where she averaged 10.3 points and tied a franchise record for made three-pointers in a single postseason.

WNBA analyst LaChina Robinson noted, “Hull’s ability to play through pain and still contribute on both ends of the floor speaks volumes about her character and preparation.”

Impact on Team Performance

Hull’s resilience helped the Fever overcome a turbulent season. The departure of Bonner left a leadership void, and injuries to multiple starters threatened to derail the team’s playoff hopes. Hull’s consistency and defensive tenacity allowed the Fever to maintain competitiveness, culminating in a semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces that went the distance. Game 5 ended in overtime, with the Fever narrowly missing a Finals berth.

The Fever’s ability to push the reigning champions to the brink was a testament to their depth, adaptability, and Hull’s leadership.

What’s Next for Hull and the Fever

With the season concluded, Hull is set to participate in the Unrivaled 3×3 league beginning January 5, 2026. She will also serve as Caitlin Clark’s guest caddie at The ANNIKA pro-am golf tournament in December. The Fever will enter the offseason focused on roster stability and building around their core, with Hull expected to play a central role in the team’s future plans.