Former WNBA coach Carolyn Peck sparked debate with her bold claim on ESPN that Indiana performs better without its superstar sophomore, Caitlin Clark.
Peck made the statement after watching Indiana’s recent dominance without Clark. Indiana won the Commissioner’s Cup Final with a 15-point victory over the Minnesota Lynx, then crushed the A’ja Wilson-led Las Vegas Aces by 27 points in the next game.
Peck Breaks Down Why Fever Excel Without Clark
Peck’s analysis centered on the tactical advantages Indiana gains when Clark sits.
“Look, I think that Indiana is even more dangerous when Caitlin Clark doesn’t play because she’s a ball-dominant guard. The ball’s in her hands a lot, so you know what you need to try to take away,” she explained on ESPN.
She continued, “But when you look at Indiana now, they’ve got so many weapons. Kelsey Mitchell is playing out of her mind. Aaliyah Boston.”
Caroline Peck saying the @IndianaFever are more dangerous WITHOUT Caitlin Clark. (I’m keeping receipts now) pic.twitter.com/Tv7ZZgXRYa
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) July 4, 2025
Peck, the first head coach-general manager in the history of the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle, revealed insights from her pregame conversation with coach Stephanie White about Boston’s three-year development plan. “I talked to Stephanie White before the game. She said in year one, Aaliyah Boston was back to the basket. Year two, two-man game. Year three, they’re using her as a decision-maker.”
This transformed Boston from a traditional post player into a versatile weapon. Her ability to make decisions with the ball has opened up Indiana’s offense, allowing her to create opportunities for teammates while maintaining her interior presence.
The former coach praised the backcourt duo’s impact. “So, when you have a point guard like Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald making plays on the perimeter and a post like Aaliyah Boston, I’m going to tell you, Indiana, they are a threat,” she said.
Peck Praises Indiana’s Defensive Transformation
Peck also credited the defensive turnaround for Indiana’s recent dominance.
“Specifically on the defensive end, Stephanie is so pleased with the intensity that they’re bringing defensively with their length, their switches. I mean, they’ve wreaked havoc on their last two opponents.”
The Fever entered these games ranked eighth in defensive rating, making their recent performances even more impressive.
Indiana held both Minnesota and Las Vegas under 60 points in consecutive games, something no WNBA team had accomplished since 2003. Against the Aces, they forced 19 turnovers while limiting Las Vegas to just 26.2% shooting.
Mitchell’s offensive plays have been crucial during Clark’s absence. Her 25-point performance against Las Vegas continued a streak of dominant scoring that has leveled up Indiana’s attack. Boston contributed 20 points and seven rebounds in the 81-54 victory.
The Commissioner’s Cup triumph over Minnesota showed their balanced approach. Multiple players scored in double figures, with Natasha Howard earning MVP honors with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The 74-59 victory came against a team with a 14-2 record.
Clark has missed nine games this season due to injuries, and the team has posted a 5-4 record in her absence. However, their 4-1 mark during the current groin injury stretch suggests they’ve found their rhythm without her ball-dominant style, creating more opportunities for teammates to rise.