'She Can Do Damage': Chicago Sky Coach Sounds Alarm on Aari McDonald’s Impact vs. Indiana Fever

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Tyler Marsh was explicitly asked about the challenge McDonald presents.

“[McDonald] was someone who was extremely effective with LA last year, she had a great career with Atlanta,” Marsh said. “She’s someone who has been able to do damage in this league for a few years.”

McDonald, 26, wasted no time making an impact in her Fever debut. In Indiana’s 85–76 win over the Mystics, she contributed seven points, five assists, and three steals while providing the kind of defensive pressure that has defined her WNBA career.

Her ability to hound opposing guards and generate transition offense gives the Fever a different dynamic — one Marsh and the Sky will need to account for in Saturday’s rematch.

“Those who were already familiar with her game knew what she’s capable of,” Marsh said.

Aari McDonald’s Expanded Role with Indiana Fever

With Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham both out, Aari McDonald is expected to remain a central figure in Indiana’s guard rotation.

She impressed Fever coaches and teammates with how quickly she adapted after signing with the team on June 2. Despite having only one day of prep, McDonald ran the offense with poise and set the tone defensively in her debut.

“She got us into our offense well. She’s competitive, she’s aggressive, she’s physical… that’s something I think we really needed,” Clark said earlier this week.

Fever coach Stephanie White also praised McDonald’s ability to organize the team offensively and bring a veteran presence to a young group navigating key injuries.

McDonald’s leadership, pace, and defensive disruption will again be critical against a Sky team eager to avenge its lopsided season-opening loss.

Chicago Sky Seeking Payback, Indiana Fever Counting on Aari McDonald

Saturday’s matchup carries clear stakes for both teams.

For the Sky, it’s a chance to erase the memory of their 35-point defeat back on opening night. For the Fever, it’s an opportunity to prove they can compete — and win — even with their star rookie still sidelined.

Indiana enters the game 3–4 and looking to climb back to .500. Chicago has responded well after its slow start and comes in having won two straight.

If the Fever is going to come away with another win in Chicago, Aari McDonald’s performance will almost certainly play a key role. As Tyler Marsh knows well, she’s more than capable of doing “damage” again.