The Indiana Fever have experienced a significant shift in their 2025 WNBA season, marked by the return of All-Star guard Caitlin Clark and the absence of six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner. Clark’s comeback from a quadriceps injury has reinvigorated the team, while Bonner’s unexplained leave of absence raises concerns about the team’s depth and performance.
Caitlin Clark’s Triumphant Return
Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, returned to the court on June 14, 2025, after missing five games due to a left quadriceps strain. Her return was nothing short of spectacular; she led the Fever to a 102–88 victory over the previously unbeaten New York Liberty, scoring a season-high 32 points, including seven three-pointers, and adding eight rebounds and nine assists .
This performance not only secured a crucial win for the Fever but also set a new franchise record with 17 made three-pointers in a single game . Clark’s impact was immediate, showcasing her scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. Her return has been a catalyst for the Fever’s resurgence, lifting them to a .500 record and injecting renewed energy into the team’s dynamics.
The game also garnered significant attention, drawing a record-breaking 2.8 million viewers, with 2.2 million tuning in via ABC. This surge in viewership underscores Clark’s influence and the growing popularity of the WNBA .
DeWanna Bonner’s Absence and Its Implications
In contrast to Clark’s return, the Fever have been dealing with the unexplained absence of DeWanna Bonner. The six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion has missed the last two games due to personal reasons, with no public details provided regarding her leave .
Head coach Stephanie White has described Bonner’s status as “purely day-to-day,” but has refrained from confirming whether she will join the team for the upcoming road trip, which includes three games over six days, starting with the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday .
Bonner’s absence is particularly concerning given her role as a veteran presence and key contributor. In nine games this season, she has averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21.3 minutes per game . Her leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the Fever, and her continued absence could impact the team’s performance, especially during the challenging upcoming road stretch.
Team Dynamics and Upcoming Challenges
The Fever’s recent victory over the Liberty has been a morale booster, but the team faces significant challenges ahead. The upcoming road trip includes games against the Golden State Valkyries, a team that has shown promise in the early season . Without Bonner, the Fever will need to rely heavily on their remaining core players, including Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, to maintain their competitive edge.
The absence of Bonner also places additional pressure on the Fever’s bench players to step up and contribute. Players like Sophie Cunningham and Aari McDonald, who was recently waived after her emergency hardship contract expired, may need to play more significant roles in Bonner’s absence.
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