The Indiana Fever have slowly but surely found their rhythm in the 2025 WNBA season, and they are currently having a 17-12 record in the league. Their latest triumph came on August 3, when they defeated the Seattle Storm (78-74). Thanks to standout performances by Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston, who scored 21 and 16 points, respectively.
However, despite this win, a crucial piece of their team was noticeably absent from the squad. She is the superstar guard Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined due to ongoing injury concerns.
Yet, in a statement, Fever head coach Stephanie White boldly declared that Clark’s absence might actually be good for the team currently.
What Did HC Stephanie White Say Regarding Caitlin Clark?
After Sunday’s victory against the Seattle Storm, White was asked about the team’s current performance without marquee player Clark. White didn’t spare a moment to answer the question.
“I think it says a lot about this group. I mean, we have got a deep team. We have got a great mix of veterans who have been in this league and who understand the ebbs and flows and who understand that injuries are a part of it. And young players who continue to grow in their role and continue to gain their confidence.”
“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. No one is afraid to make the big play offensively or defensively. We have got a really good group that’s unselfish. That wants to win. They play well together and for each other, and when one person doesn’t have it, somebody else does,” said White during the post-game interview.
And she’s not wrong. If we look at 2024, the fever often lived by Clark’s ability to orchestrate the offense. But this year, with Clark sidelined due to a left quadriceps strain and lingering groin issues, Indiana has thrived.
The Fever have now won five consecutive regular-season games and were also crowned Commissioner’s Cup champions after a commanding (74–59) win over the Minnesota Lynx in the final. Key players like Kelsey Mitchell, Aari McDonald, and Howard have all elevated their games in Clark’s absence.
Clark, meanwhile, missed her seventh straight game on Sunday, bringing her total missed contests to 16 in the regular season and 17 overall, including the Commissioner’s Cup final. This season, she has averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and five rebounds in 13 games.
READ MORE: Caitlin Clark’s 7-Word Outburst Against WNBA Referee Goes Viral During Fever vs. Storm
During Sunday’s pregame interview, White provided an encouraging update about Clark’s recovery process, stating that everything is progressing in the right direction.
“Yeah, we have updates, and her recovery’s going well. I think for us, staying the course, and making sure that we’re really diligent about each step that we take and that we don’t have setbacks, and that we’re patient with it.
“I know she wants to be out here on the floor, and we want her out here on the floor, but making sure that she’s ready is the most important thing. I still don’t know how far we are. We’re going to take it one step at a time, one day at a time, and go from there,” said White during the pregame interview.
For Sunday’s game, the Fever controlled the game from the opening tip. They led by eight at halftime, and although the Storm scored 40 points in the second half, Indiana’s composure held firm. Now, the focus shifts to their next matchup, which is against the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 5.
