Ever since the Indiana Fever lost Caitlin Clark from the starting five, the team has felt lifeless. They’ve lost two consecutive games to teams that, on paper, appeared inferior. Their overall performance dipped significantly, missing Clark’s creativity and scoring ability.

The situation worsened when both Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson sustained injuries during the game against the Connecticut Sun. In response, the team brought in Aari McDonald, a three-year WNBA veteran, to add some much-needed firepower.

In a recent interview ahead of their next game, Fever veteran Kelsey Mitchell shared what the team has been lacking—and how McDonald could help address that. She said, “I think the one thing that we’ve all been struggling with lately is just making conscious decisions unconsciously. I think we’ve been overthinking in every aspect over the last couple of games, and hopefully [Aari] brings in that sense of confidence—so we don’t have to think, just make the right play for everyone else and feel confident doing it. I think her energy is going to really make a difference for us.” Amen to that.

The Fever first lost to a very young Washington Mystics team, and their performance looked flat, with Sydney Colson starting at point guard. They shot just 39.7% from the field and a dismal 23.8% from beyond the arc. The second half was even more problematic, as they managed only 36% shooting. The team still felt the psychological impact of losing Caitlin Clark, and head coach Stephanie White started Colson in place of Erica Wheeler, despite her having played limited minutes before.

Kelsey Mitchell has also struggled in recent games. In the two contests Clark has missed, she’s gone just 8-for-31 from the field—roughly 25.8%. Her shot selection and overall inefficiency have frustrated fans. Too often, she’s forced difficult shots and made aimless drives instead of looking for smarter passing options.

Turnovers remain a major concern. Clark’s turnover issues are well known—she had 10 alone against the New York Liberty. Yet, even in her absence, the Fever committed 16 turnovers against the Mystics, matching their total from the Liberty game. They followed that with 15 more against the Sun. The team has looked flustered, struggling with decision-making and pace, which has slowed their offense considerably.

Fast-break production has also vanished. They scored zero fast-break points against the Mystics and managed just four against the Sun—abandoning the up-tempo style head coach Stephanie White aimed to instill. Self-doubt appears to be creeping into all aspects of their game.

However, there’s hope. The arrival of Aari McDonald could provide a spark. Her energy and aggressiveness may help boost team confidence. Plus, the team now seems to be adjusting to life without Clark. In a way, this stretch may be a blessing in disguise—better to navigate adversity now than during a more critical part of the season. If Clark misses more time later on, the Fever should be better prepared to cope.

Stephanie White gives her take on the new addition

After losing both of their point guards, the Fever signed Aari McDonald—who was previously waived by the Los Angeles Sparks—on an emergency hardship exception contract, which they qualified for after being left with only eight players. McDonald brings in four years of experience in the W, she was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft and spent three seasons with the Atlanta Dream before joining the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024.

The 5-foot-6 guard has averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game throughout her career. She will be immediately thrown in the game after signing, as they don’t have any other option to play at point guard. McDonald has impressed coach Stephanie WHite so far with her performances in the past, as she gave her opinion on the new player.

“I mean, I’ve always been impressed with her ability to defend, her activity on the defensive end of the floor. Her ability to get to the paint and make a decision when she gets there,” White said of McDonald.

“She is a true point guard, so she brings that energy, she brings the ability to dictate. And she has been really good so far. It has been a lot of information to absorb quickly, and she has done a great job with it,” White continued.

If she impresses in her stint, they can even sign her as a possible 12th player if their salary cap permits. White will hope that she does because there are at least two games for Caitlin Clark to return. Colson has participated in all practices recently, so she might return sooner. However, they haven’t announced the dates for her return. It might be longer, as she has aggravated an injury from preseason. McDonald might hang around for some time.