Although they have won their last three games to get back over .500 with a record of 9-8, it has been a tough go of it thus far for the Indiana Fever.
Star guard Caitlin Clark is still putting up big numbers, going for 20.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. But she has been limited to just nine games due to injury and has seen her shooting percentages (39.0% from the field, 29.5% from three and 81.6% from the free throw line) take a big dip thus far.
Clark is also averaging a high number of turnovers this season, but injuries, her high usage rate and overall youth may help explain that issue.
The Fever hope she can get back to normal once her groin injury heals as they try to stay afloat without her behind guard Kelsey Mitchell, forward Aliyah Boston, forward Natasha Howard and guard Sophie Cunningham, among others.
Clark was officially ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, but the Fever are hopeful she will return soon.
The rookie sensation’s absence has forced Indiana to rely heavily on their veteran core. Without Clark’s playmaking ability, the offense has had to adjust significantly. The team’s chemistry is still developing, but recent wins show they’re finding ways to compete even when shorthanded.
Watch Natasha Howard Drain a Halfcourt Shot that Sent Indiana Fever Teammates into an MVP Chant Frenzy
Between the Fever’s leading scorer thus far this season, Mitchell, and Boston, the team has made up for some of the lack of scoring and especially playmaking without Clark. The duo has stepped up their production to keep Indiana competitive during this challenging stretch.
Mitchell is averaging 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while Boston is putting up 14.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game this season. Both players have shown they can carry the offensive load when needed, giving the coaching staff confidence in their depth.
Despite some early struggles on the court and their injury issues, the Fever seem to be keeping their spirits high, which may help explain their recent play. Team chemistry has been a bright spot, with players rallying around each other during tough moments.
“MVP! MVP!”
Natasha Howard is today’s halfcourt shot contest winner 🤩 pic.twitter.com/w3UNjVBQUX
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 5, 2025
At Fever practice on Saturday, the team appeared to be winding down and taking shots from halfcourt. Howard hit her shot and her Fever teammates celebrated, cheered and began their MVP chants. The moment captured the loose, confident atmosphere that has helped the team through their recent winning streak.
Natasha Howard Wins Commissioner’s Cup MVP
The Fever, of course, did have reason to chant MVP at Howard, aside from the fact that it is a goal she has set for herself. Howard led the Fever to a stunning 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night to win the Fever the Commissioner’s Cup, an impressive feat for the team even if they had a healthy Clark.
Commissioner’s Cup MVP Howard had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in the victory.
The performance was vintage Howard, who has been the team’s most consistent two-way player this season. Her ability to impact both ends of the floor has been crucial during Clark’s absence, providing the veteran leadership the young roster needs.
Natasha Howard on her personal goals for this year
“I actually wanna win MVP…MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. But at the end it’s holding that trophy.” pic.twitter.com/qK78SvZOQV
— correlation (@nosyone4) April 30, 2025
“I actually wanna win MVP…MVP and Defensive Player of the Year,” Howard said. “But at the end it’s holding that trophy.”
Defensively, Howard was as impressive as well, holding Lynx All-Star forward Napheesa Collier to 12 points on only 6-of-18 shooting and helping force Collier into five turnovers. The defensive effort was a team-wide success, with Howard anchoring the paint and disrupting Minnesota’s offensive flow.
Sophie Cunningham added 13 points while Boston, Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald each scored 12 points. The balanced scoring attack showed the depth that makes Indiana dangerous when healthy, with multiple players capable of stepping up in big moments.