The Indiana Fever finally exhaled. This season has seen a packed schedule like never before, and few teams have really felt the squeeze like Indiana. Just two days ago, they wrapped up a grueling nine games in 19 days. But now? For the first time in weeks, there is space. They get to rest for a full three days. Then, they have three straight games at home. And after that, the long-awaited All-Star break. With this schedule in mind, the Fever took a much-deserved Sunday off before showing up at practice on Monday.

But when they returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, things looked… a little different. The stands weren’t empty this time, and the gym wasn’t quiet. Instead, a group of MVP season ticket holders was in attendance. They were invited behind the curtain for a look at how their favorite team operates. “I think the most important thing is to celebrate them as long-time season ticket holders,” said head coach Stephanie White. “To celebrate them, to allow them to see some of the everyday behind-the-scenes work the things that you do to prepare yourselves for when the lights are on.” That’s a true Indiana native speaking.

What the fans didn’t know was that the franchise had one big surprise waiting for them. The one moment everyone has been anticipating, day after day. Yes, the ticket holders were treated to the return of Caitlin Clark after a five-game absence. While it was just practice, getting to see her get the first bucket after so long must have been a satisfying moment.

However, her presence on the court wasn’t the answer to all the speculation surrounding her return. If anything, it only fueled more questions, doubts, and whispered guesses. Fans are now even more eager than ever to watch the Fever take on the Valkyries tomorrow. It’s because, for the first time in days, they’ve seen a real, live update on their favorite star’s groin injury status. To add to it, even Stephanie White served the fans with optimism about Caitlin Clark’s return.

“I hope so,” White told reporters. “The same return-to-play structure we’ve been following. She (Caitlin Clark) was able to do a little bit more today, and now we’ll see tomorrow—has there been progress or any regression? How does she feel, how does she look, what does recovery look like? This was really the first time we’ve gotten her out into live action, so we’ll see what it brings tomorrow.” But more than anything, White is finding ways to fit Caitlin Clark right back in without disrupting Aari McDonald’s momentum.

On Monday afternoon, Aari McDonald was spotted running the show at point guard, bringing the ball up the court while Caitlin Clark shifted off the ball. The Fever clearly ran multiple sets with both guards sharing the floor, signaling a potential shift in how they manage Clark’s offensive workload. After all, everyone knows Clark usually carries enough offensive pressure to power a small city. Giving her a breather might just be the trick to keeping her off the injury report in the future. “I think it can give her a break,” said White. “I think we can get her and our team different looks when that happens. So this is really the first time that we’ve been able to practice that. So look forward to exploring that a little bit more”

Knowing Caitlin Clark’s ability to bounce back from the toughest situations, it’s highly likely that she will return and fit just right in. As for whether she will return against the Valkyries, no one knows, not even Stephanie White. At least, not until Clark passes another practice on Tuesday. “This was really the first time we’ve been able to her out into live action (since the injury) so we’ll see what it brings tomorrow,” White said. And hopefully for Indy fans, their winning score will finally hit double digits with CC on the helm and Damiris Dantas’ veteran guidance.

Yes, Damiris Dantas Might Join Caitlin Clark

Dantas was temporarily suspended by the Fever to play for Brazil in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Now, she is finally heading back to Indiana, and she’s not returning empty-handed. Dantas was a force in the tournament. She led Brazil to the championship game, where they narrowly lost to Team USA, 92–84. In that final, she played every single minute and dropped 35 points, eight rebounds, and even added four assists. Her standout performance landed her a spot on the All-Star 5 First Team and earned major recognition from her home country.

Fever head coach Stephanie White couldn’t help but praise her: “She was incredible, right? She needs some rest. I’m not sure when she’ll be available, but this will hopefully, knock on wood… when DD gets back and she is available, this will be the first time that our full roster has been available.” Dantas’ return, along with Caitlin Clark settling back in, could shake up Indiana’s rotations just before the All-Star break.

Stephanie White acknowledged the challenge. Especially because rookie Makayla Timpson stepped up defensively and on the boards in Dantas’ absence. But as White put it, “It does give us a little bit more versatility. It’s going to be a challenge, but also something that’s necessary for us.” Dantas herself took to social media after Brazil’s tough loss in the final. It gave us a glimpse into her mindset.

She wrote, “Defeats hurt, but they also teach. And I know that this group has the strength to get up, learn, and come back even stronger. Nobody lets go of anyone here.” Her words show both: her pride in representing Brazil and her determination to keep pushing forward. She may be returning with the sting of defeat, but she’s also bringing back leadership, momentum, and a much-needed spark for the Fever.