'A Healthy Indiana Fever Team': Dawn Staley Backs Caitlin Clark’s Team as WNBA Title Threat

Indiana entered the 2025 season with heightened expectations following a busy offseason that bolstered its core around rising star Caitlin Clark. The team added veteran wings DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard as headlining additions to a lineup that already included forward Aliyah Boston and guard Kelsey Mitchell. Other key additions included Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner, and Sydney Colson.

But injuries and inconsistency slowed the team’s progress out of the gate. Clark, who has missed four games with a left quadriceps strain, was sidelined during a stretch that saw Indiana fall to 2-4. Bonner, Cunningham, and Boston have each dealt with minor injuries as well.

The Fever have since responded with back-to-back wins over the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky, improving to 4-4 heading into Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Dream. The team appears to be finding its rhythm just as the schedule offers an opportunity to climb the standings.

Depth Stepping Up in Caitlin Clark’s Absence

Indiana’s ability to compete without Clark has showcased its improved depth, a key reason for Staley’s confidence in the team’s championship potential.

Mitchell has helped carry the offense, averaging 17.4 points per game and shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc. Boston continues to provide consistency in the post, contributing 15.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while anchoring the team defensively.

Bonner and Wallace have given the team added leadership on the perimeter, while Cunningham’s shooting has provided critical spacing.

Indiana has also benefited from improved bench play. Forward NaLyssa Smith has embraced her role as a two-way contributor, and guard Erica Wheeler continues to provide veteran poise when called upon.

Championship Contenders Still Setting the Bar

While the Fever have shown resilience, the road to the WNBA title still runs through Minnesota and New York.

The Lynx (9-0) and Liberty (8-0) have dominated the early part of the schedule with deep, balanced rosters. Minnesota, led by Napheesa Collier, has established itself as the league’s most consistent team defensively. New York, with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, boasts the league’s most explosive offense.

Staley’s comments underscore that Indiana, if fully healthy, has the tools to challenge those top teams — a perspective shared by many around the league.

The Fever’s roster is more balanced than it was a year ago when they closed the 2024 season with one of the league’s best second-half records despite lacking depth.

Caitlin Clark’s Return Could Unlock Fever’s Ceiling

Much of Indiana’s long-term potential this season hinges on the return of Clark, who was averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game before her injury. She opened the season with a triple-double against the Sky, tying Candace Parker for the third-most triple-doubles in league history.

With Clark back to full strength and the rest of the roster continuing to develop chemistry, the Fever could evolve into the type of balanced, dynamic team Staley envisions as a championship threat.

“They orchestrated a team that should be able to compete,” Staley said.

For now, the Fever will look to keep building momentum. But with health trending in the right direction and Clark’s return looming, Indiana remains a team to watch — and a team that may still have its best basketball ahead.