Caitlin Clark Loses to Lexie Hull in Indiana Fever Challenge

The Fever Are Stayin’ Alive Without Clark

When this season started, the Fever were considered by many to be legitimate championship contenders. But their plans seemed to be on their way to getting derailed when Clark first suffered a quad injury in late May and then strained her left groin about a month ago.

She missed the All-Star game in mid-July due to a right groin strain, which is the injury that is currently keeping her out of action. There doesn't appear to be a timetable for her return to game action right now.

Midway through the season, Indiana has won six of its last eight games and eight of its last 12 contests. Kelsey Mitchell, who earned her third straight All-Star bid, has stepped up her offensive game lately, but in Wednesday's 107-101 win over the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana had an unexpected hero.

On that night, it was 5-foot-6 guard Aari McDonald, whom the Fever signed earlier this season as a free agent. She went 7-of-11 from the field and made all 10 of her free throw attempts to score 27 points, and she also added four assists and two steals.

Lexie Hull Has Played Her Part as Well

Hull isn't a legitimate scoring threat, but she has contributed to the Fever's success. A 6-foot-1 guard, she's an excellent defender and 3-point shooter, and at times, she can help on the boards as well.

Against Phoenix on Wednesday, she missed both of her shot attempts, but she grabbed five rebounds and came up with two steals in 23 minutes.

What Is in the Future for the Indiana Fever?

The Fever are showing that they may have the type of depth that is needed to win a championship. They currently hold a 15-12 record, which is the sixth-best mark in the WNBA, and they could be poised for a hot streak through the stretch run of the schedule.

The hope, of course, is that Clark returns sooner rather than later and stays healthy the rest of the way.

The Fever will start a four-game road trip on Friday by visiting super rookie Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. They will return home on Saturday, Aug. 9, to play the Chicago Sky. There is no doubt that roundball aficionados are hoping both Clark and Angel Reese will play in that contest.