WNBA Expert Highlights Caitlin Clark’s Skill Which No Indiana Fever Player Can Replicate

Caitlin Clark’s absence has been a rather defining moment for the other 2 of the Fever’s three-headed monster. While Kelsey Mitchel drew herself some MVP chants, Aliyah Boston shaped up to be one of the best post-players in the league, or Indiana’s “rock,” as the head coach puts it. The All-Star duo has even carved a space in the All-WNBA team conversations, having led the team to a 21-19 record. But that isn’t to say the Fever doesn’t miss their star player. For every shot hesitated to be taken, there’s a Clark memory lingering.

Mitchel and Boston’s season has been about stepping up when it counts. They even upped their playmaking with the young forward, averaging a career-best 3.6 assists. But the struggles against the Valkyries exposed a glaring issue. Analyst Adrienne Ross said, “I understand she’s being crowded, but you’ve got to look for opportunities. When the ball comes back out, the defense spreads, so a quick pass can get her back in to make a move.” 

Boston attempted only 7 field goals last game, dropping 2 of them. So when the Valkyries’ defense stifled Boston, the Fever largely missed Clark’s facilitation.

On the latest episode of The Adrienne Ross Show, the host highlighted Caitlin Clark’s skill that the Fever largely needs. “This is another area where we miss Caitlin because Caitlin’s passes are so precise. And I’ve seen others who are late on passes. You don’t have a whole lot of time to mess around in that paint. You’ve got to deliver the ball, and you’ve got to deliver it precisely. And at times I’ve seen the ball not delivered precisely,” Ross said.

While Clark’s three-pointers are widely appreciated, the reigning ROTY prides herself on her playmaking. Averaging 2nd-best 8.8 assists, her court vision has been huge for the Fever. Lexie Hull’s mother even commended the aspect, saying, “I’ve never seen anyone like Caitlin with her court vision. The passing is what’s the most impressive to me.” The team’s assist average drops by 1 in Clark’s absence, and Stephanie White is well aware of what her star player brings to the table.

In their very first game without her this season, the Fever finished with 0 transitional points and a gruelling, slow pace. “Caitlin is really good at finding rim runners, getting the ball up the floor, and that’s one where we gotta be better there,” the coach had said. And the skill is still missed, months in.

Against the Valkyries, the Fever couldn’t capitalize on the jump ball possession from the get go. “Very first pass… just not delivered precisely,” Ross adds. While Boston and Mitchell have been doing their part, leading the offense, the opponents have been just as stern in crowding them. So the analyst concludes with one requirement for the team: “we just need more timely passes.”

With Kelsey Mitchell struggling for the past couple of games and Aliyah Boston unable to capitalize on opportunities, the road looks rougher for the Indiana Fever. While this flaw landed them in the eighth spot with a 75-63 defeat, the Fever haven’t given up on looking for pieces to pick themselves up.

Indiana Fever makes an interesting move ahead of the playoffs

The Indiana Fever is currently standing on the threshold of the playoffs . However, their two-game winning streak stumbled against the Golden State Valkyries. With a slim backcourt and four point guards, including Caitlin Clark, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Sophie Cunningham sidelined, the team had no choice but to enter hardship contracts.

After re-signing Shey Peddy to another seven day hardship contract on August 26, the Indiana Fever front office made another shocking move recently. The team signed veteran guard, Odyssey Sims to a rest of season contract. As a starter for the roster, Sims showcased herself as a powerful shooter and a reliable guard.

“I’m with a good group from the coaching staff, to the ownership, to my teammates,” Odyssey Sims shared earlier. “Like, everybody is so genuine. Everybody pours into each other more than I have ever seen on any other team I’ve ever been on and that speaks volumes.” The 33-year-old was averaging a whopping 11.4 points per game under the hardship contract.

With just four games left in the season, can the Indiana Fever claw out of its miseries and join the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, and the Las Vegas Aces in the top 8? With two grueling games against the Mercury and the Lynx, can fans watch the team progress without Caitlin Clark?