This Indiana Fever team keeps breaking the glass ceiling. But they occasionally find themselves in situations they’d rather not be in. For instance, just a few days back, they were tied for the joint highest in WNBA history for losses in a season when scoring 100+ points. Now, they are the outright leaders.

With their latest 111-109 loss against the Mercury, they are on the wrong side of history. The Sporting News wrote on X:

“The Fever have set a new WNBA record for most losses in a season when scoring 100+ points. Four of their eight losses this season have come despite them scoring over 100 points.”

They created his unlikeable record after only completing the 18th game in a 44-game season. To add salt to the wounds, Caitlin Clark was taken off the game in the fourth quarter against the Mercury with an apparent back injury. With around 5 minutes left in the third quarter, Clark was substituted, and Sophie Cunningham came in.

This was a huge blow for this Indiana team, as Clark was the main playmaker and scorer for them, along with Aliyah Boston. She has a staggering 44.4 % assist rate. Her usage rate is 30.3 %, as per WNBA advanced stats. She has put up a true shooting percentage of 58%.

Further, her effective field goal percentage of 51.3 means that she is getting on the board efficiently. She is the highest scorer in the team, averaging 21.3 PTS, 4.3 REB, 8.2 AST per game. While Clark and Co. have been sort of good offensively, it is their defense that has been an issue.

The blitz style of attack that coach Stephanie White prefers often leaves the team stretched while in transition. Another area where they have struggled is the foul rate. With the new metrics and system in place regarding the officiating rules this season vis-à-vis personal fouls, the Fever have struggled.

In the end, the Mercury side won the game and avenged their previous 86-77 loss against Indiana.

It is also no secret that teams are trying to isolate and target Clark, especially defensively. Emotions aside, it seems it’s working in stopping her rhythm.

When Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston are on the floor, they fever are an explosive offensive machine. With them off the court, the team doesn’t really have any coverage on defense. They also don’t get the ball from the opposition quite enough. They also have their struggles with players’ fitness and consistency this season as well.

Injuries have been the stumbling block for the Indiana Fever this season

The Fever management has been quite cautious about Caitlin Clark’s back issues and injuries in general. Even during the first game of the season, she was seen going to the locker room for back treatment.

“Gets out of line pretty quickly,” Clark said to the media after the season’s first game.

Other players have also missed crucial game time because of injuries. For instance, Aliyah Boston has missed some game time because of issues in her lower leg. And Monique Billings has had ankle issues.

The Fever would want to sort their roster and chemistry issues if they want to mount a serious title run.