Life Without Caitlin Clark: Three Key Strategies for the Indiana Fever to Stay Afloat

The Indiana Fever stormed into the 2025 WNBA season with high hopes and a revamped roster, eager to turn potential into playoff contention. But just four games in, those ambitions took a major hit: superstar rookie Caitlin Clark is sidelined for at least two weeks with a left quadriceps injury, leaving the team at a crossroads.

Wednesday’s 83-77 loss to the Washington Mystics only underscored the challenges ahead. Despite boasting four multi-time All-Stars, the Fever (now 2-3) looked out of sync, raising concerns about how they’ll cope without their dynamic playmaker, especially with tough matchups looming against the Connecticut Sun, Mystics, and Chicago Sky.

“It’s humbling to get punched in the mouth early,” guard Kelsey Mitchell reflected after the defeat. “It shows where you need to be.”

So, how can Indiana avoid spiraling during Clark’s absence? Here are three crucial areas where the Fever must focus:

1. Make Aliyah Boston the Focal Point

Last season, the Clark-Boston pick-and-roll was the league’s most lethal weapon, with Clark assisting Boston more than any other duo in the WNBA. Boston’s ability to read defenses, set screens, and create for teammates made her a force in the middle of the floor.

Yet, against Washington, Boston’s involvement was puzzlingly limited. She touched the ball sparingly in the half court, both as a facilitator and a screener. Early in the game, a handoff with Sydney Colson led to a clean jumper, but Boston barely saw the ball in the next several possessions.

When she did get touches—like her sharp pass to a cutting Colson, setting up a Lexie Hull three-pointer—good things happened. Boston finished the night with an efficient 4-of-5 from the field and tied for the team lead in assists, but the Fever clearly need more from their star center if they hope to weather this storm.

2. Embrace Defensive Grit

With Clark out, Indiana can’t rely solely on offensive fireworks. The Fever must double down on defense, tightening rotations, contesting shots, and controlling the boards. Every possession matters, and a collective commitment to defense could be the difference between hanging tough and falling behind in the standings.

3. Share the Scoring Load

Clark’s absence leaves a scoring void, but it’s also an opportunity for others to step up. Kelsey Mitchell, NaLyssa Smith, and Victoria Vivians must be aggressive and look to create their own shots. The Fever’s depth will be tested, but a balanced attack can keep opponents guessing and prevent defenses from keying in on a single player.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but the Fever’s season is far from over. By leaning on Aliyah Boston, ramping up their defensive intensity, and spreading the offensive responsibility, Indiana can stay afloat—and perhaps even discover new strengths—until Caitlin Clark returns to the lineup.