Over the last month or so, as Caitlin Clark has been out with a strained groin, the Indiana Fever have looked resilient at times and vulnerable at other times.
Ever since she suffered her injury on July 15, they have had a five-game winning streak, but they have also dropped games to a couple of the WNBA’s weakest teams. Overall, they’re 7-6 since arguably the biggest star in women’s basketball sustained her groin injury.
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On Saturday, Indiana trailed by 21 points in the third quarter against the Connecticut Sun, who currently have the league’s worst record. It is their largest comeback in franchise history. But it mounted a furious rally to force overtime, where it prevailed, 99-93.
Forward Natasha Howard scored 18 points, including Indiana’s first 10 points of overtime, while adding nine rebounds.
Howard Showed Her Team Some Love on Social Media
Following the Fever’s stirring win, Howard took to her X account and had a simple but resounding message.
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“I love my team!!!” she posted.
Howard is one of multiple Fever players who have stepped up offensively with Clark out. While her overall scoring average is significantly lower this season than it had been in recent seasons, she has helped out defensively and on the boards.
Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) in action during a game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell has put things into overdrive lately. She’s averaging a career-high 20.4 points a game this season, and on Saturday, she erupted for 38 points, which tied a career high. She hit five 3-pointers while making all but one of her 12 free throw attempts.
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Unfortunately, the Fever lost another one of their key players to injury on Saturday. Guard Sophie Cunningham, one of their primary 3-point snipers, injured her knee in the second quarter and was forced to leave the game.
They’re now very thin in the backcourt, as Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald both suffered season-ending injuries earlier this month.
The Fever Will Have to Pull Together With Their Short-Handed Roster
Perhaps the worst news for the Fever is that Clark doesn’t appear to be nearing a return. Local reporter Scott Agness recently implied that the two-time All-Star will be out for “at least several more weeks.”
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The team currently has a 19-16 record, which is sixth in the WNBA. That means it is in serious danger of falling out of the playoff picture.
The Fever’s remaining schedule won’t do them a lot of favors. They will face the Minnesota Lynx, who are currently 28-5, three times, and they will play against the Phoenix Mercury on the road on Sept. 2.
Two days prior to that, they will visit the Golden State Valkyries, who have been surprisingly competitive and spunky for an expansion team and currently hold an 18-16 mark.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
