The Indiana Fever's 2025 season can be viewed in distinct phases, each marked by shifts in the team's dynamics and performance. Initially, the season saw Caitlin Clark taking charge, managing both scoring and playmaking duties. However, a setback occurred when Clark suffered an injury, leading to a period where the Fever struggled to find their direction, particularly in the point guard position.
The recent signing of Aari McDonald, brought in due to an emergency hardship contract, has changed the team's dynamic. McDonald's arrival has injected pace and a renewed sense of structure into the Fever's gameplay. The Fever have secured two consecutive wins with McDonald running point.
This change has prompted a re-evaluation of Caitlin Clark's role within the team. Some analysts had previously dismissed the idea of Clark playing off-ball, but McDonald's success has opened up the possibility of exploring this tactic. Rosalina Lee mentioned that the Indiana Fever looked like a totally different team since Aari McDonald took over and started like, orchestrating for the team, so I am definitely willing to give a shot to the Caitlin Clark Off ball experiment.”
Coach Stephanie White has been experimenting with Clark playing more off the ball, pairing her with players who can provide assists. The percentage of field goals from Caitlin have gone up from 2024, as Clark has 21.4% of her 2-pointers assisted this year, while she had just 14.2% last year. Clark is cutting more, working off screens, and finishing plays started by others, most likely Aliyah Boston.
Despite the potential for Clark to thrive in an off-ball role, the Fever may soon face the challenge of losing McDonald, who was signed as a hardship replacement. As the team returns to full strength with players like Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark recovering, McDonald's time with the Fever may be limited.
Aari McDonald has taken a unique path in her professional basketball career. After a standout collegiate run for Washington Huskies and then Arizona Wildcats, McDonald was selected third overall in the 2021 WNBA draft by the Atlanta Dream. Over three seasons in Atlanta, she appeared in 90 games and started 19 of them. Following her stint in Atlanta, McDonald spent one season with the Los Angeles Sparks. However, she was released on April 15 before the start of the 2025 season. It wasn't until Monday that McDonald found her next opportunity, signing with the Indiana Fever.
Since joining the Fever, McDonald has played in two games, averaging 26 minutes per contest. She scored seven points in her debut and followed that with a 12-point performance in a 79-52 win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
Currently sidelined with a quad injury, Clark's potential return to the lineup raises questions about how the Fever will integrate her with McDonald. The team is being cautious about setting a firm return date for Clark, emphasizing a day-by-day approach to assess her recovery.
Even while injured, Clark's impact on the team is evident. A video of Clark coaching and encouraging her teammates from the sideline has circulated, drawing attention to her leadership qualities. The Fever went 2-2 while Clark was out of the lineup.
Ultimately, the Indiana Fever's coaching staff will need to make strategic decisions about how to best utilize Clark and McDonald.
