The Indiana Fever didn’t just lose to the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, but were blown up. Despite getting Caitlin Clark back from injury, the 80–61 defeat marked one of the Fever’s worst performances of the 2025 WNBA season.
And now, analyst Rachel DeMita is sounding the alarm, not just on the play, but on the team’s overall body language, coaching decisions, and chemistry.
While many eyes were on Clark’s return, DeMita noted something deeper at play: a visible lack of cohesion.
“I noticed a lot of bad body language on the court, and it wasn’t just from one player. It was multiple players on the Fever,” DeMita said, pointing to signs of disconnect and frustration on the floor.
Only three players; Dantas, Colson, and Timpson escaped her critique. The rest? Labeled as out of sync, playing selfishly, and settling for low-efficiency shots like long twos and forced isos.
Indiana Coach Rotation Change
DeMita also pointed to a puzzling coaching move that flipped the game.
In the third quarter, with the Fever on a momentum-building run, head coach Stephanie White subbed out Clark. The Valkyries immediately responded with a 9–0 run that erased any comeback hopes.
“They were just off to the races from that moment,” said DeMita. “I didn’t understand the rotations at all.”
White also debuted a small-ball lineup, sliding Clark off the ball with a backcourt trio of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald. The switch removed Clark from her usual rhythm and disappointed fans expecting her to lead from the point.
Caitlin Clark Takes Accountability
Despite the rough night and questionable coaching decisions, Caitlin Clark took full accountability for the Fever’s performance.
“It all starts on defense. We didn’t do what our coach asked of us,” Clark said postgame. “We played with low energy and effort. Those are things that just can’t happen.”
Clark posted 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 25 minutes, while the Fever shot just 30.9% from the field, their worst shooting game of the season.
The Fever also gave up 12 threes (well above the Valkyries’ average), were out-rebounded by 11, and gave up far too many second-chance points.
The Fever are now 9-10, and the pressure is mounting. The talent is there, but the chemistry, consistency, and execution remain shaky especially in high-stakes matchups.
Whether Stephanie White adjusts her rotations or the locker room regroups mentally, something needs to shift fast.
Read More: Rachel DeMita Fired Over Caitlin Clark Tweets During BIG3 Broadcast
