It hasn’t been the kind of 2025 WNBA campaign Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White, and the Indiana Fever were hoping for. Still, the Fever head coach is optimistic about her team’s chances.
In her first season as the Fever’s coach, White has seen mixed results with four wins in nine games. It’s worth noting the team is without key stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, leaving them short in the guard department.
When talking about Indiana’s other basketball team, the Pacers, White spoke about how both squads are similar as the latter looks to win its first title in the ongoing 2025 NBA Finals.
Stephanie White Explains How Caitlin Clark and the Fever Are on the Same Lines as Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, White compared the two Indiana teams, highlighting what they have in common and their shared approach to the game. “We’re very similar to the Pacers and how we want to play,” White said.
“We want to play fast. We’ve got great depth, and so we can utilize our bench. We want to pressure 94 feet. We might not pull away from teams in the first, second, and third quarter, but hopefully our depth allows us to do that in the fourth quarter.”
White also added that Clark could learn from Haliburton’s ability to involve others when defenses focus in on him. “She’s been able to do what she wants to do for the most part because she’s a generational talent. But the great teams are going to take that strength away.”
Like Haliburton, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star is a skilled passer with excellent court vision. Her quick thinking and ability to hit shots from the logo make her a dangerous offensive weapon. White’s advice about getting her teammates involved when opponents key in on Clark will only add to her versatility.
“You don’t arrive when people know your name. You arrive when they’ll never forget it.”
send Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell to #WNBAAllStar2025 right here in Indy by voting daily now through June 28 at https://t.co/ZtH8nQmGgT 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Ui4FYu21Pz
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 12, 2025
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft got off to a solid start before a quad injury sidelined her for five straight games. In her four starts this season, Clark is averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks. She’s shooting 40.3% from the field and 31.4% from deep.
Clark is expected to return against the New York Liberty on June 14, though there’s been no confirmation she’ll suit up. She’s been doing non-contact work in practice, and it’s clear the Fever don’t want to rush their star playmaker.
Indiana hosts the Liberty and the struggling Connecticut Sun, then hits the road for a three-game trip. They’ll face the Golden State Valkyries, the Las Vegas Aces, and the Seattle Storm. Clark is expected to return at some point during the five-game stretch.