Here’s a bold statement: The Indiana Fever’s success this season might just challenge everything we thought we knew about their reliance on Caitlin Clark. But here’s where it gets controversial—does the team really need her to thrive, or have they proven they can stand tall without their superstar guard? Let’s dive in.
On September 4th, the Indiana Fever announced that Caitlin Clark, their first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, would sit out the remainder of the 2025 season due to injury. Clark, who had been a dominant force during her college career at Iowa—averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game—suffered a right groin injury on July 15th against the Connecticut Sun. Her recovery was further complicated by a bone bruise, limiting her to just 13 out of the team’s 48 regular-season games. And this is the part most people miss—while Clark’s absence was significant, the Fever didn’t just survive; they thrived.
During Clark’s 13 games, the Fever went 8-5, but in her absence, they managed a 16-15 record, finishing the regular season with a 24-20 overall record and securing the sixth seed in the playoffs. Even more impressively, they won the Commissioner’s Cup, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the final—a tournament in which Clark only played one of the six games. They also pushed the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces, to a decisive Game 5 in the semifinals, all without their star player.
Here’s the controversial question: If the Fever can achieve this level of success without Clark, is her spot on the roster truly indispensable? While she’s undoubtedly a game-changer and a major reason for the WNBA’s surge in popularity, the team’s depth and resilience this season suggest they’re far from a one-player show.
The Fever’s roster is stacked with talent beyond Clark. Guard Kelsey Mitchell and forward/center Aliyah Boston, both 2025 All-Stars, have been instrumental. Mitchell averaged 20.2 points per game (third in the league), while Boston led the team with 15 points and 8.2 rebounds per game (second in the league). Veterans like Natasha Howard, a three-time WNBA champion and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, and Odyssey Sims, who stepped up in the playoffs, have also been pivotal.
But let’s not forget the counterpoint: Clark’s presence undeniably elevates the team’s ceiling. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and draw defensive attention opens up the game for her teammates. Yet, this season’s results force us to ask: Is she the main reason for their success, or just one of many?
As we look ahead, Clark’s long-term role with the Fever seems secure, but this season has shown that the team’s success isn’t solely dependent on her. What do you think? Is Caitlin Clark irreplaceable, or has the Fever proven they can win without her? Let’s spark the debate in the comments!
