Clark Isn’t the Only Concern in Fever’s Recent Slide
The Indiana Fever are in the midst of a tough stretch, but it’s not just about Caitlin Clark’s cold shooting. While the rookie star has gone 1-for-23 from three over her last three games and turned the ball over 22 times, the team’s issues are more layered than a simple slump.
Clark is still averaging 15 points during this rough patch, and she’s taken accountability for the game slump. But that might be missing the forest for the trees.
Interior Defense: A Quiet Crisis
Since May 28, the Fever have allowed a league-worst 39.1 points in the paint. Compare that to the 30.1 PITP they allowed in their first four games, a top-three mark at the time. The problem persisted even after Clark returned from injury, suggesting it’s not linked directly to her presence on the court.
Against the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana gave up 28 paint points in the second half alone, their opponent’s highest half-total this season. A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young combined for 26 PITP, highlighting just how easily opponents are getting to the rim.
Yes, the absence of DeWanna Bonner due to personal reasons hasn’t helped, but the Fever still have solid size and defensive talent, including standout perimeter defender Lexie Hull. The defensive breakdowns are more structural than situational.
Second-Half Stumbles Becoming a Trend
Over their last five games, Indiana has been outscored by 6 points per game in the second half, third-worst in the WNBA during that span. It’s not just about one bad night.
In recent wins over the Storm and losses to the Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces, Caitlin Clark was hounded defensively but still facilitated beautifully in the first half, notching 15 total assists across those games. Indiana led at the break each time.
But after halftime? Things always seem to fall apart. Clark managed just 8 total assists and 14 turnovers, and the Fever’s offense lost its rhythm.
Overreliance on Clark Is Risky
Indiana leans heavily on Clark in crunch time. When it works, like in wins against New York and Connecticut, it’s electric. But when she’s off, the team struggles to adapt.
There’s no reason to panic just yet. Shooting slumps happen. But building a system that depends on one player to carry the load late in games is risky for a young team still finding its identity.
For the Fever to climb the standings, they’ll need more consistent defense, better ball movement, and a plan B when defenses key in on Clark. We saw glimpses against the Storm as Aliyah Boston recorded a 31pts game.
Read More: Dawn Staley Highlights Caitlin Clark’s One Major Weakness
