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Stephanie White’s Unprecedented Caitlin Clark Decision Draws Mixed Reviews

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:19 PM ET

Caitlin Clark's return from injury against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday left Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White with a problem on her hands.

For the first time all season, the Fever had a clean injury report heading into the game. White responded by throwing out a never-before-seen lineup that included Clark in an unfamiliar position.

Clark missed nine games of the 2025 WNBA season with quad and groin injuries, leading the Fever to sign Aari McDonald for depth at the point guard position. Before Wednesday, they had not played a game together.

After trying the unprecedented move in practice for the first time on Monday, White decided to play Clark off the ball from the start against Golden State, replacing Lexie Hull in the starting lineup.

The coach opted to start three small guards, rolling with McDonald and Clark alongside All-Star Kelsey Mitchell in the backcourt.

The small-ball unit, which resulted in more off-ball action for Clark in her first game back, drew mixed reviews from WNBA fans.

"Stephanie white really has Clark setting double screens instead of running the offense…" one fan complained on X.

"Steph White got shorty playing like Duncan Robinson," joked another, comparing Clark to the NBA sharpshooter.

Ya’ll complaining but I like it https://t.co/EwJlsuhxra
— NV (@nv00006) July 9, 2025

"Steph White coaching now," said a more positive response. "These lineups are "

"This is gonna be one those 'big brain' moves that falls flat in its face," predicted one fan. "Why would you take Lexie (our best defensive player) out and start 3 guards?????? Steph White is (expletive) annoying dawg."

Fever fans: “We want Caitlin to play off ball some more”

Also Fever fans: “Why are we starting Aari?? What is Steph White doing ???”

— BIG (@JalenorJay) July 9, 2025

After Monday's practice, White explained the advantages she was hoping to gain from playing Clark and McDonald together.

"It could be really good for us to get [Clark] off the ball a little bit more in certain situations," the Fever coach said. "Playing on the floor with Aari gives her that opportunity. It can give her a break. We can get her and our team different looks when that happens."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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