The Indiana Fever are riding high with a four-game winning streak, despite the absence of their star guard Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined with a right groin injury. On Friday, August 1, 2025, the Fever secured an 88-78 victory over the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center, showcasing a balanced team effort that has become their hallmark this season.
Clark's injury, which has kept her out for 15 games, has not dampened the Fever’s resolve. In fact, the team has gone 8-7 without her, including a notable win in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup against the Minnesota Lynx. The Fever currently hold a 16-12 record and sit fifth in the WNBA standings, firmly in the playoff hunt as the postseason approaches on September 14.
Friday’s game was a testament to Indiana’s depth and resilience. Four of the five starters scored in double digits, led by guard Kelsey Mitchell who poured in 23 points and dished out three assists. Aari McDonald contributed 15 points, hitting four of six from beyond the arc, while Aliyah Boston continued her dominant season with her fifth consecutive double-double, totaling 10 points and eight rebounds. Natasha Howard also notched a double-double with 11 points and a career-tying 16 rebounds.
The Fever’s offensive strategy was clear: stretch the floor and dominate the boards. They knocked down 12 of 28 three-pointers, a stark contrast to the Wings who managed just two. Indiana outrebounded Dallas 44-30, including an impressive 14 offensive rebounds to just four for the Wings, giving the Fever ample second-chance opportunities.
"This is the second half of the season. We know the margin of error is very small," said Aari McDonald after the game. "When four people are in double figures and they are all offensive threats, I think that opens up the floor for us." This collective effort has been crucial in maintaining momentum during Clark’s absence.
Dallas, led by rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, struggled to find consistent support. Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was the only Wings player to reach double figures, finishing with 22 points, four assists, and two steals. She returned to the game early in the fourth quarter after a hard fall in the third, rallying her team to cut the deficit to six points with just over five minutes remaining. However, the Wings couldn’t close the gap against the Fever’s balanced attack.
The first quarter was tightly contested, ending in a 22-22 tie after several lead changes and ties. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with seven points, and Natasha Howard was already making her presence felt with six points and seven rebounds. Dallas had an early edge at the free throw line but couldn’t capitalize enough to pull ahead.
By halftime, Indiana held a 48-42 lead, buoyed by 24 points scored from close range. Chloe Bibby, recently signed for the remainder of the season after a successful seven-day contract, provided a spark off the bench with six points, shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point territory. The Fever have now improved to 13-4 when leading at halftime, while the Wings are a dismal 1-17 when trailing at the break.
In the third quarter, the Fever extended their lead to 68-57, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 18 points and grabbing three rebounds. Boston and Howard continued their strong play, inching closer to double-doubles. Despite Bueckers’ valiant effort, Dallas was unable to turn the tide.
Indiana’s balanced scoring, combined with their dominance on the boards and perimeter shooting, proved too much for the Wings. The Fever now lead the regular-season series against Dallas 3-0, having also won their previous meetings without Clark.
Looking ahead, the Fever face a critical test on Sunday, August 3, 2025, when they take on the Seattle Storm at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The Storm, who currently hold a 16-12 record, are coming off a grueling double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Coach Noelle Quinn utilized only eight players in that marathon contest, resulting in heavy minutes for key veterans like Nneka Ogwumike (46 minutes), Skylar Diggins (43 minutes), Gabby Williams (42 minutes), and Erica Wheeler (39 minutes). Seattle’s roster is the oldest in the league with an average age of 30.8 years, which could be a factor given the quick turnaround and physical toll of their recent game.
In contrast, the Fever boast a younger squad averaging 27.9 years, with none of their players exceeding 32 minutes in their last outing. This relative freshness could give Indiana an edge as they continue their demanding West Coast road trip.
Despite Clark’s continued absence, the Fever are managing their rotation carefully, aiming for a long-term strategy that ensures she returns at full strength for the playoffs. Clark’s return date remains uncertain, with the team prioritizing her recovery over rushing her back during this condensed schedule. The next home game on August 9 against the Chicago Sky could be a more likely opportunity for her comeback.
Off the court, the WNBA community received a notable boost of star power as Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, attended the Fever vs. Wings game courtside. The 22-year-old recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in film and has been a vocal supporter of women’s basketball, continuing the legacy of her father and sister Gigi, both passionate advocates for the sport. Natalia, a professional model representing the Coach brand, was seen sporting a stylish outfit that drew praise from her mother Vanessa Bryant and fans alike.
The Bryant family’s ongoing support highlights the growing visibility and cultural impact of the WNBA, with prominent figures embracing and promoting women’s basketball at every level.
As the Fever look to keep their momentum, their upcoming games against tough Western Conference opponents like Seattle and Phoenix will be pivotal. With a balanced attack, strong rebounding, and a young, energized roster, Indiana is proving they can compete and win even without their superstar, setting the stage for an exciting playoff push.
The Fever’s resilience and team effort have become a defining story of the season, making their next few games must-watch events for fans and analysts alike.
