The Indiana Fever secured their first victory since the injury of their star point guard, Caitlin Clark, with the help of emergency player Aari McDonald, ensuring an 85-76 triumph over Washington on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
The team had suffered three consecutive losses, two of them after Clark was ruled out for at least two weeks due to a quadriceps injury, which occurred on May 26.
In the game against Washington in Baltimore on May 28, the Fever fell 83-77, and then lost 85-83 against Connecticut at home on May 30.
During the game against Connecticut, guards Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham suffered injuries, leaving Indiana with only eight players. On Monday, the team signed McDonald, the number 3 pick of the 2021 draft, who previously played for Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Cunningham remains out, but Colson was able to play on Tuesday and started, finishing with seven points and three assists in 16 minutes. McDonald, who came off the bench, contributed seven points, five assists, and three steals in 27 minutes. Fever coach Stephanie White commented that McDonald studied game videos during the flight to Indianapolis and reviewed tactics with the coaching staff, executing plays that she had not yet had the opportunity to practice with the team.Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever, now with a 3-4 record, with 24 points, and Lexie Hull scored 14. Both praised McDonald for her significant contribution to the team.Not everyone can do that. That’s the mindset of a base. I think she did a great job. She’s hungry, number one. And number two, she knows how to play. And she’s a dog on defense; we needed that.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
Mitchell added:I am very proud of Aari for coming out and playing some incredible minutes. She was ready.
Lexie Hull, Fever player
White also highlighted that this was the Fever’s most complete game since their season opener on May 17, when they defeated Chicago 93-58 thanks to Clark’s triple-double.This demonstrates what professionals are and how you are supposed to operate.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
Outside of the first game, it was the most consistent we’ve played in the 40 minutes. 21 assists on 30 made field goals… that’s how we have to play to be successful. We have to move the ball.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
