Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White offered a thoughtful perspective following her team’s recent victory over the Seattle Storm, highlighting an unexpected advantage that has emerged during Caitlin Clark‘s absence.
While losing their star guard was never ideal, White believes the situation has revealed valuable strengths within the roster and created strategic tension for opposing teams scouting Indiana.
With Clark sidelined by a lingering right groin injury for over fifteen games (including the entirety of Indiana’s current hot streak), head coach Stephanie White sees a rare opportunity:
“While we don’t like it, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise because everybody else finds themselves, right?” Indeed, the Fever have now won five consecutive games.
Indiana‘s 78-74 victory over Seattle highlighted the shift. The Fever built a 12point cushion with under five to play, only to watch the Storm charge back within one during the final minute.
That’s when Kelsey Mitchell drilled a clutch midrange jumper for the insurance bucket, and Aliyah Boston calmly netted two free throws with just two ticks remaining to seal it.
This group win without Clark sent a clear message: Indiana remains playoff material.
Midway through the season, struggling leads often evaporated, doubledigit advantages were repeatedly erased versus Golden State, Las Vegas, and LA.
But now the script is different. Indiana is resilient late in games, closing stronger and more composed.
Aari McDonald’s arrival rewires Fever identity
Since officially signing with the team on June 25, Aari McDonald has transformed into Indiana’s unexpected catalyst.
Thrust into starting point guard duties, she has brought vital speed, structure, and playmaking, even though she wasn’t initially expected to be part of the roster.
“She is our blessing in disguise,” said Kelsey Mitchell. “We always tell her that we appreciate her seriously, because our season was all over the place… It takes a lot for a pro to step up, be where her feet is, and fill in shoes that not a lot of people expect.”
McDonald’s first careerhigh 27-point game came in the heart of the streak, a 107101 win at home over Phoenix, her speed and finishing skills kept the Fever rolling. Aliyah Boston added 22 points and 12 rebounds that night, anchoring Indiana‘s inside presence.
With Clark out, the offense has diversified: Kelsey Mitchell,Aari McDonald, Aliyah Boston, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard all have seen increased usage and confidence.
“I don’t think that it [Clark’s absence] affects us anymore,” Cunningham observed. “We know how to play with her. If we don’t have Caitlin, great. We know how to play without her.”
The supporting cast has taken over lategame moments, and they’re rising to the challenge.
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