“Aari was terrific.” This 3-word statement holds so much value coming from a head coach. And it is rare for a hardship contract athlete to hear such words. While we are aware of Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and her blatant remarks on the smallest of errors, she surprised everyone with the remark. In a rare turn of events, White acknowledged Aari McDonald’s efforts after her first game against the Washington Mystics. But things did not end there.

White was revelling in the two consecutive victories that McDonald single-handedly presented to the head coach and the roster. It was the first time that the team had won a game in Caitlin Clark’s absence this season. Despite contributing an average of 11 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per 3 games under the Fever, White is now ready to part with the replacement contract signee. Yes, you read that right.

As original athletes Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham gear up for a comeback, fans would have to bear witness to Aari’s departure from the roster. Having said that, IndyStar sports reporter Chloe Peterson broke the bitter-sweet news on social media. She shared a short clip on X (former Twitter). The clip showcases Stephanie White talking about Aari McDonald. Peterson captioned the post with, “Steph White on having to release Aari McDonald and how she’s impressed with the Fever: “She’s gonna find a spot, I don’t think that’s a debate right now. She’s been the ultimate pro.””

Even Stephanie White couldn’t deny McDonalds’s remarkable contributions to the roster. The athlete had bolstered the players to bring out their best game, and absolutely lit the court on fire, re-igniting the passion for basketball in the otherwise heartbroken roster. “She came in ready to go,” White said about Aari. “She had watched such a large amount of film just on her flight in here, that you could already tell her high IQ.  She’s a dawg.”

Moreover, in a bid to prove her strengths and worth in the roster, McDonald empowered the roster and instilled it with energy. She relentlessly fulfilled her point guard duties and propelled the team towards two consecutive wins. And that is a huge feat for a free agent. “We’re going to miss her … But, yeah, she’s not gonna have a problem finding a job,” these were the exact words of the HC following the terminated contract.

With McDonald out, can Caitlin Clark take off from where she left off?  With skyrocketing expectations from the superstar, can she live up to it and continue the dreamy run Indiana Fever was having? Or will her re-entry cause issues in the locker room dynamics as McDonald leaves the frame? Whatever may be the outcome, it will be exciting to watch Clark return to the hardwood.

Aari McDonald’s exceptional 3-game run with Indiana Fever

“I’m hungry,” is how point guard Aari McDonald had expressed her passion towards basketball and being signed for the regular season games. And she knew exactly what she was getting into when she signed the replacement contract. Maybe that is what instilled the zeal in the athlete as she devoured the opponents. “I’m in survival mode so I got to be hungry,” is how she described her position as a replacement joiner for Indiana Fever.

But her contract did not stop her from displaying her prowess on the court. The five-feet-six guard jumped off the bench during the early minutes of the game and propelled Kelsey Mitchell and Lexi Hull to score. She set the pace of the game against Washington Mystics and established Fever’s early dominance. Needless to say, McDonald dished 7 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 3 clean steals from athletes like Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin.

Similar was the case against Chicago Sky. McDonald assisted Kelsey Mitchell as the two bolstered the team towards a massive 79-52 win against the Sky. Naturally, a phenomenal performance was expected from the 2021 overall 3rd pick as she stepped on the Gateway Centre Arena. And it is safe to say that she did not disappoint. Well, it is not easy going against team that boasts of athletic and power-packed players like Brittney Griner and Rhyne Howard. However, the Fever newcomer took the reins on the shoulders and rallied the team forward.

McDonald even managed to tally 9 points within 8 minutes of jumping off the bench in the first quarter. She put up a tough front against the Dream, thereby providing a much-needed momentum to the Fever. Moreover, she managed to garner a 33-33 tie entering the third quarter. While she dished a total of 11 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists for the roster, her efforts fell flat as the team gave in to the Dream’s physicality. But with her contract officially terminated, let’s see if Fever can take off from where McDonald left off or will Clark have to start all over again.