The Indiana Fever’s problems have piled up this season. The squad, which has been without star point guard Caitlin Clark for 21 games, has started to find its flow even in her absence, riding a five-game win streak to start the month.
However, just as the Fever were about to get back to full strength, season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson signaled that the team isn’t out of crisis yet. And on Sunday, Sophie Cunningham sustained a knee injury that could add to Indiana’s woes as it battles for playoff position.
But despite all the problems, the Stephanie White-coached squad pulled through, picking up a comeback win against the Connecticut Sun, one that even Clark had to applaud.
Caitlin Clark Reacts to Indiana Fever’s Gritty Comeback Win vs. Connecticut Sun
With eight minutes to go in the second quarter, Cunningham went down with a knee injury after a collision with Connecticut’s Bria Hartley. While the extent of the injury was unclear, Cunningham exited the court in tears, and the Fever announced she would not return.
Cunningham’s exit seemingly shellshocked the Fever, who trailed 48-29 at halftime. But a career night from Kelsey Mitchell saw Indiana come from behind to steal the victory. Mitchell, who scored just four points in the first half, finished with 38, showcasing her ability as an explosive scorer in the 99-93 overtime win.
Caitlin Clark praised her squad’s resilience, writing on X: “Battled battled battled. So proud ❤️”
Battled battled battled. So proud ❤️
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) August 17, 2025
While Mitchell led the way, the rest of the starters provided key support in the 21-point comeback, with all but Cunningham scoring in double figures. All-Star Aliyah Boston chipped in a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Natasha Howard had 18 points and nine rebounds.
Although the Fever were left without a true point guard after the season-ending injuries to McDonald and Colson, the arrival of Odyssey Sims brought optimism, and she delivered. Sims scored 19 points in the win and gave Indiana a stabilizing presence despite the growing injury list.
The Fever’s bench did not contribute much, with only Makayla Timpson and Lexie Hull scoring. But Hull stepped up in the absence of her “twin,” adding eight points and hitting the dagger 3-pointer that sealed the overtime win.
With the Fever sneaking out another win in Clark’s absence, White has reason to be encouraged, as every game is crucial to the team’s playoff hopes. As Clark prepares for a possible return this week, the Fever hope her injury woes are behind her, because any setback could mark the end of their season.
