The Indiana Fever are proving they can thrive under pressure and without their most high-profile player. With Caitlin Clark still sidelined due to a groin injury, the Fever picked up their fifth straight win on Sunday, defeating the playoff-contending Seattle Storm 78-74 in a gritty road performance.
Leading the charge were veteran Natasha Howard with 21 points and Sophie Cunningham, who tallied a season-best 17 points. Their efforts lifted Indiana to 17-12 on the season, continuing a stretch of success that has come entirely without Clark on the court since July 15.
Team-first mentality emerges with Clark on the sideline
Following the victory, head coach Stephanie White credited the team’s depth and togetherness, calling Clark’s absence an unexpected benefit for the overall growth of the roster.
“I think it says a lot about this group,” White said after the game. “We’ve got a deep team. We’ve got a great mix of veterans who have been in this league and understand the ebbs and flows and understands that injuries are a part of it and young players who continue to grow in their role and continue to gain confidence.”
Clark’s groin injury, which flared up again in mid-July, forced the team to retool its approach and distribute responsibilities more evenly.
Rather than leaning on their star for scoring and tempo, the Fever have found a rhythm that allows multiple players to step into key roles.
“I said it early when C was out the very first time, while we don’t like it, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise, because everybody else finds themselves and no one is afraid to make the big play offensively or defensively,” White added.
“And so I think we have a really good group that’s unselfish, that wants to win, that plays well together and for each other and when one person doesn’t have it, somebody else does, and I think it makes us really, really difficult to scout when that happens.”
Although fans are eager to see Clark back on the court, the Fever are in no rush. White confirmed before Sunday’s game that no timetable had been set for Clark’s return.
The team wants to avoid any risk of re-injury by allowing her to heal fully before returning to action.
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