Indiana Fever HC Hints Change in Caitlin Clark Utility as Aari McDonald Brings Double Choice.
Without a doubt, the Indiana Fever have enjoyed a remarkably smooth stretch in Caitlin Clark’s absence. They captured their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup championship and even strung together three consecutive victories. But their momentum hit a snag recently, as they fell 89–87 to the L.A. Sparks. In response, Head Coach Stephanie White emphasized the need to “protect our paint,” signaling a strategic reset.
Initially, when Clark was sidelined with a quad strain, the Fever brought in Aari McDonald on an emergency hardship contract—but had to waive her when Clark returned. However, that changed when Clark suffered a groin injury. This time around, the Fever opted to release veteran DeWanna Bonner, creating the roster opening necessary to bring McDonald back on June 28 for the remainder of the season.
As a result, Clark and McDonald haven’t yet shared the court during a game—but that’s about to change. Coach White recognizes the potential impact: “I think it will be really good for us to be able to get [Caitlin] off the ball a little bit more in certain situations. And playing on the floor with Aari gives her the opportunity to do that,” according to an X post by Matthew Peterson. This development could be pivotal. Earlier in the season, Clark took on a massive playmaking burden, which led to fatigue and a sharp shooting slump—most notably going just 1-for-28 from three-point range during one stretch.
With McDonald now on the roster, the Fever can introduce more spot-up looks for Clark, lightening her load. And McDonald is tailor-made for that role. In her debut off the bench under the hardship contract, she impressed with seven points, five assists, and three steals in 27 minutes, showcasing energy, defensive intensity, and vision—skills that could offset some of Clark’s responsibilities.
What’s even more encouraging is how this duo is performing in practice. McDonald has been running the offense as point guard, allowing Clark to operate off the ball. This gives Clark much-needed breaks from initiating every possession and brings balance to the offense. Meanwhile, McDonald—standing at only 5’6″—has shown an ability to fill that starting spot effectively in recent games, bringing speed, shifty playmaking, and tenacious defense.
White underlined this experiment’s benefits: “I think it can give [Caitlin] a break. I think it can get her and our team different looks when that happens. So this is really the first time we’ve been able to practice that, and I look forward to exploring it a little bit more.” As Clark nears her return, White is planning to carve out meaningful minutes for McDonald by running offensive sets that feature both players—McDonald initiating pace, Clark spotting up or cutting off-ball.
“I think it’s gonna be fun,” McDonald shared. “I think that with Caitlin and I working to perform with each other, we’re gonna create more shots for ourselves and for others around us. Just expect a lot of fast pace and a lot of ball movement.” Even after returning, Clark will continue as the team’s primary point guard. But White has been consistently seeking more off-ball opportunities for Clark, and McDonald’s speed, energy, and complementary style might make her the perfect partner to realize that vision.
However, the question remains: is it really that simple? Does this backcourt pairing truly give the Fever an edge over teams like the Minnesota Lynx (often nicknamed the “Valkyries”)? Their upcoming clash isn’t just another game—it could be a crucial turning point. With just four games remaining before the All-Star break and both squads hovering around .500, a win could significantly shift the playoff landscape. The Fever are currently 9–9, while the Lynx have dropped their last two games and are in the middle of a challenging four-game road trip.
Just as importantly, Clark is slated to return after missing five games due to her groin issue. Though she was struggling with her shot before the injury, Clark was still averaging a robust 18.2 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 9 assists per game. If she comes back firing in sync with McDonald, Indiana could be surging into the latter half of the season with renewed momentum and a deeper, more dynamic backcourt rotation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Commissioner’s Cup breakthrough: The Fever won their first title and notched a three-game winning streak without Clark, signaling depth and competitive grit.
2. Roster shuffle: Clark’s groin injury led to DeWanna Bonner’s release, opening the door for Aari McDonald’s re-signing on June 28.
3. Potential new dynamic: Clark and McDonald have yet to play together, but preseason practices with McDonald handling the ball and Clark off-ball are promising.
4. Reducing Clark’s load: Sharing playmaking duties could alleviate fatigue and break Clark’s shooting funk—last season, she had a prolonged slump from beyond the arc.
5. McDonald’s fit: In prior action, McDonald has delivered solid numbers and energy—attributes that could take pressure off Clark both offensively and defensively.
6. Practice adjustments: Coach White is intentionally building offensive sets that optimize both players’ strengths—fast pace, movement, and off-ball flow.
7. Upcoming test: Indiana’s matchup with the Lynx is hugely significant—both teams are at .500, and stakes are high ahead of the All-Star break.
8. Clark’s return: She’s expected back after five games out. Her near 18/5/9 averages suggest she remains a force. Pairing with McDonald could elevate both.
In summary, the Fever have demonstrated resilience and potential without Clark, capturing a trophy and executing offensive basketball under new circumstances. Introducing McDonald as a ball-handler opens new possibilities for backcourt synergy, potentially allowing Clark to rest—and to shoot—with greater freedom. The upcoming game against Minnesota looms as a potential catalyst: victory there could confirm this duo’s viability and improve Indiana’s playoff positioning. The key questions: will Clark and McDonald cohere seamlessly? Will this approach translate into wins under pressure? If they do, the Fever could be on the cusp of establishing a powerful identity for the long haul.
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