May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins (7) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'Just Makes It Really Difficult': Caitlin Clark Bares Why Indiana Fever Should Be Feared In The 2025 WNBA Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 22, 2025 7:40 AM ET

After revamping their roster in the offseason, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are looking like legitimate title contenders for the 2025 WNBA season. In her rookie year, Clark guided the Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years, and now, expectations are sky-high.

The Fever made major offseason moves, bringing in championship-caliber talent with DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson joining the mix. With a deeper bench and a core built around Clark, the Fever are now considered one of the most complete teams in the league.

They’ve also made a major coaching shift, replacing Christie Sides with 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White — a move aimed at maximizing Clark’s playmaking on and off the ball.

Speaking to USA Today, Clark highlighted just how much their depth sets them apart.

“I think the Fever of this year, probably our depth. I even think, looking across the league, as you prepare for other teams that have the type of depth that we do, you know, that just makes it really difficult. It makes it difficult from a defensive standpoint,” Clark said.

She added, “The amount of different things that teams can do. It puts you in a difficult position to pick and choose … If somebody doesn’t have it one night, you’re just going to the next person on the bench, and the next person. You know, we’re gonna have to be able to find a way to use that to the best of our ability.”

The Fever opened their season with a dominant 93-58 win over Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. However, they fell just short in a tightly contested 91-90 loss to the Atlanta Dream, playing without Sophie Cunningham in both games.

Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever’s depth goes MIA against Atlanta

Despite their stacked roster, the Indiana Fever’s depth didn’t show up in their second outing of the season.

Beyond the stellar trio of Caitlin Clark , Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell — who each scored 24 or more — the Fever received little offensive support from the rest of the team. On the other side, the Atlanta Dream took full advantage of their physicality.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) attempts a basket against Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Atlanta Dream defeated the Indiana Fever, 91-90.

Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones led the charge with 21 points and 8 rebounds, and 19 points and 13 boards, respectively, exploiting the Fever’s struggles defending the paint.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after scoring a 3-pointer against Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

If Indiana wants to fulfill their championship aspirations, they’ll need more consistent contributions from their star-studded bench.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: