Rookie Raven Johnson of the Indiana Fever made a significant gesture towards teammate Lexie Hull after a preseason win. Despite Hull's absence due to injury, Johnson's message highlighted team unity and support.
Fever rookie Raven Johnson sends quiet but meaningful message to Lexie Hull originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever walked away with a convincing preseason win Saturday, but the most telling moment didnât come from the scoreboard. It came afterward, in a small interaction that offered a glimpse into what this team might be building behind the scenes. Indianaâs 109-91 victory over the New York Liberty marked an important early step for a roster blending returning contributors with new talent. While the spotlight naturally followed Caitlin Clark in her return, it didnât take long for rookie Raven Johnson to carve out her own moment.
And shortly after the game, she made sure one of her teammates felt it too.
Lexie Hull didnât suit up for the preseason opener due to left hamstring tightness, but she was still fully engaged. From the bench to social media, Hull made it clear she was locked in, even sharing a post highlighting Johnsonâs standout debut.
Johnson saw it and responded with a simple message on her Instagram story:
âmy amazing vet.â
Three words. Thatâs all it took.
For a rookie still finding her footing at the professional level, the message carried real weight. It showed respect for a veteran presence and hinted at a connection forming early within the roster.
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Raven Johnson sent a supportive message to Lexie Hull, emphasizing team unity despite Hull's absence due to injury.
The Indiana Fever won their preseason opener against the New York Liberty with a score of 109-91.
Lexie Hull did not play in the preseason game due to left hamstring tightness.
Caitlin Clark returned to the team and was a focal point during the Fever's preseason victory.
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The message hits even more when paired with Johnsonâs performance. The No. 10 overall pick looked composed and in control, finishing with six points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting night. She added eight assists, three rebounds, a steal and two blocks across 18 minutes. Just as important, she didnât commit a single turnover.
It was the kind of efficient, well-rounded debut that doesnât demand attention but earns it anyway. Johnson dictated pace, made the right reads and contributed defensively, all without forcing anything.
Even in street clothes, Hullâs influence was evident. The Fever have leaned on her as a steady presence, and her decision to support Johnson publicly reflects the type of leadership young teams rely on. Indianaâs development this season wonât just hinge on star power. It will depend on how quickly pieces fit together, and how veterans help accelerate that process.
Hull appears ready to do exactly that.
Preseason games donât carry lasting consequences, but they often reveal direction. Between Clark easing back into action and Johnsonâs immediate impact, Indiana showed signs of a team that could be deeper and more connected than expected. Moments like a three-word message wonât show up in the box score.
But inside a locker room, they can matter just as much.