It’s been no secret that Lexie Hull has been one of the better defensive players on the Indiana Fever roster, but the fifth-year guard has failed to live up to expected hype thus far this season. The intent is still there, but the lack of scoring and poor defensive engagement are starting to become a problem.
On Thursday, the Fever ended their two-game losing streak with a statement victory, defeating the Atlanta Dream 83-71 in a crucial home win to get back on track. It was a full-team effort, highlighted by key contributions across the lineup, barring two starters – Lexie Hull and Monique Billings.
Billings finished with zero points, five rebounds and one block in 13 minutes, while Hull had four points, two rebounds and one block in 20 minutes as she continues to have a tough go this season.
And it’s led some Indiana fans to call for a starting lineup change, with a large number demanding rookie Raven Johnson to replace Hull.
“I trust Raven to make threes way more than I trust Lexie 🤣,” one fan wrote.
“Raven earned her minutes tonight and I won’t be surprised if she replaces Lexi or Mo next game as a starter,” another fan said.
“When was the last time Lexie Hull made a basket this is serious she needs to be kicked out of the league,” one comment read.
“Lexie Hull still scamming 800k I see,” another fan wrote.
“The death lineup appears to have phased out Lexie Hull in favor of Raven Johnson,” another fan said.
The Fever’s size and physicality have been a weakness this season, and moving Johnson into the starting lineup is a move fans keep bringing up a lot lately. On the surface level, it makes sense, Johnson starting at three will bring size and length that the starting unit desperately needs, and Hull in the starting lineup hasn’t worked the way many thought it would.
Raven Johnson played a season-high minutes off the bench as Lexie Hull’s struggles continue
While Raven Johnson is still coming off the bench, her minutes are starting to trend upward. After playing in single digits in the first three games of the season, the former South Carolina star is now logging double-digit minutes. She played a season-high 23 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Dream.
And Lexie Hull coming off the bench would allow her to be a huge spark for this team. The former Stanford guard is averaging 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists and is shooting 37.8% this season. She already has two scoreless outings and six single-digit performances. While that implies she’s playing below expected level, it also supports the argument that she’s not far behind being pulled out of the lineup if the trend continues. If the Fever reach the postseason, Hull has a chance to be one of the most important players on the roster if she’s able to find what made her stand out last season.
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