Lexie Hull Steps Up for Indiana Fever, Replaces Caitlin Clark in 2025 WNBA 3-Point Contest
INDIANAPOLIS — The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of talent, and one of its spotlight events—the STARRY 3-Point Contest—has a new face on the roster. Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has been officially selected to compete in the annual shooting showdown, stepping in for her teammate Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined with a groin injury.
The competition is scheduled for Friday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Fever. For Hull, this marks her debut appearance at WNBA All-Star Weekend, a significant milestone in what has already been a standout season.
Hull’s Breakthrough Season
Hull, who is in the midst of a strong campaign, has been turning heads with her sharpshooting ability. She currently ranks fourth across the league in three-point shooting percentage, converting an impressive 46.8% of her attempts. This year, she has knocked down 29 of her 62 shots from beyond the arc—numbers that highlight both consistency and efficiency. Remarkably, this performance is only slightly behind her three-point percentage from the previous season, where she finished at 47.1%.
Known for her disciplined shot selection and smooth release, Hull’s ascent is particularly noteworthy considering the Fever’s competitive roster, which includes marquee players like Clark. While often overshadowed by Clark’s record-breaking performances and media attention, Hull has carved out a niche as a dependable long-range threat and a key contributor on both ends of the court.
Replacing a Superstar
The decision to insert Hull into the 3-Point Contest lineup came after Caitlin Clark officially withdrew due to a right groin injury she sustained in the final moments of the Fever’s recent victory over the Connecticut Sun. The win was a significant one for the Fever, but it came at a cost.
Clark, whose debut season has drawn national attention and helped spark renewed interest in women’s basketball, shared the news of her withdrawal in a heartfelt message posted on social media. In her post, she emphasized the importance of taking care of her health and allowing her body the time it needs to heal.
“I’m incredibly honored to have been selected to participate in the All-Star Game and the 3-Point Contest,” Clark wrote. “But after speaking with the team and medical staff, I’ve made the difficult decision to focus on my recovery. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines and wishing all the participants the best of luck.”
Her absence is undoubtedly a disappointment for fans and organizers alike. Clark’s presence would have added significant star power to both the All-Star Game and the 3-Point Contest. However, her replacement offers an intriguing storyline of its own.
A Talented Field of Competitors
Lexie Hull will now join a talented field of sharpshooters in the STARRY 3-Point Contest. The lineup includes
- Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics), a rising star known for her smooth perimeter game and versatility on the wing.
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), who won the 2023 edition of the contest and remains one of the most reliable shooters in the league.
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), the 2024 champion and current holder of the WNBA and NBA single-round scoring record in a 3-point contest.
- Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks), an All-Star guard whose quick release and scoring ability make her a constant threat from deep.
With two past winners—Gray and Ionescu—in the mix, Hull faces stiff competition. However, her numbers and calm under pressure suggest she’s more than ready for the challenge.
From Stanford Standout to WNBA Sniper
Hull’s journey to this moment has been defined by hard work, discipline, and perseverance. A former Stanford Cardinal, she helped lead her college team to an NCAA championship and was known for her leadership and defensive prowess as much as her offense. Since entering the WNBA, she has continued to develop her all-around game, emerging this season as a key piece of the Fever’s rotation.
Though not the flashiest player on the court, Hull’s fundamentals are elite. Her off-ball movement, spacing, and ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes make her an ideal candidate for the contest. In a format that rewards consistency and rhythm, Hull’s mechanically sound stroke could surprise fans unfamiliar with her game.
Fever’s Growing Legacy
The Fever, once struggling to find a rhythm in the post-Tamika Catchings era, have been reinvigorated by the additions of young talent like Hull and Clark. The 2025 season has seen a surge in fan engagement, sellout crowds, and national media coverage—much of it due to Clark’s immense popularity.
However, players like Lexie Hull represent the foundation on which the team is building a sustainable future. Her work ethic and steady performance are reflective of a culture shift within the organization. The fact that she was chosen to replace Clark in such a high-profile event speaks volumes about the team’s confidence in her.
Injuries and All-Star Absences
Injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of professional sports, and All-Star Weekend often brings last-minute changes to rosters. Clark’s groin injury, while not believed to be serious, highlights the wear and tear of a grueling WNBA schedule.
Athletes like Clark, who are often expected to perform at high levels on and off the court—including extensive travel, media appearances, and international competition—face immense pressure. Her decision to sit out was praised by fans and experts alike as a mature move that prioritizes long-term health over short-term accolades.
For Hull, this opportunity comes not just as a fill-in, but as a well-earned recognition of her performance and potential.
What to Expect on Friday Night
The STARRY 3-Point Contest has become a marquee event during All-Star Weekend, drawing millions of viewers and showcasing some of the most exciting talents in the league. The format typically includes two rounds, with players shooting from five racks positioned around the arc. Each rack contains four regular balls worth one point each and one “money ball” worth two points. There is also a pair of deep three-point “STARRY Range” shots worth three points each.
Timing, stamina, and composure are just as important as shooting ability. While players like Ionescu and Gray are expected to be front-runners, Hull has proven she can keep pace with the best when it matters.
Should she find her rhythm early, Hull could very well surprise the field and walk away with the title—a feat that would cap a remarkable chapter in her career.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the contest itself, Hull’s inclusion is a testament to the growing depth and parity in the WNBA. As more young stars emerge and the league continues to expand its reach, moments like these serve as important reminders that the spotlight is wide enough for more than just the biggest names.
Clark’s absence may change the storyline, but Hull’s presence ensures the contest remains competitive, compelling, and emblematic of the league’s ever-evolving talent pool.
As the lights come up on Friday night and the shooters take the floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all eyes will be on the arc—and on Lexie Hull, who’s ready to show the basketball world what she can do when given her shot.
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