Natasha Howard to Clark: “You Don’t Have to Do Everything”
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Indiana Fever, especially with Caitlin Clark missing nearly half the year due to lingering quad and groin injuries. Still, despite the early adversity, the Fever are finding their rhythm. And that’s raising some key questions about how Clark should approach her return.
Veteran forward Natasha Howard recently offered Clark some well-meaning advice: ease the pressure. On Sue Bird’s podcast, Howard said Clark doesn’t need to carry the team like she did at Iowa, not when she has All-Star talent around her.
“You don’t have to do everything like you had to do in Iowa,” Howard said. “You have great teammates and phenomenal players around you that can take that weight off your shoulders.”
Fever Thriving Without Overdependence
The Fever have gone 4-4 without Clark and just added a Commissioner’s Cup title to their resume. Kelsey Mitchell is on fire, averaging 24.6 points on nearly 59% shooting over her last five games. Aliyah Boston and Howard continue to dominate the boards and bring consistency in both ends of the floor.
That balanced performance has proven the Fever don’t need a one-woman show; they need team chemistry. Howard stressed that Clark’s passing and clutch shooting are assets, but she should let others shine too:
“We expect you to knock down those clutch shots… but you don’t have to do everything. Give us some of your pressure, too.”
What’s Next for Clark and the Fever?
Clark is currently day-to-day with her groin injury, but the message is clear: when she returns, her success and the team’s will depend on how well she trusts her teammates.
The Fever now sit at 9-8 and are building momentum. If Clark returns and embraces a more balanced approach, Indiana might just become a real WNBA contender.
Read More: Caitlin Clark’s Frustrated Outburst at Teammate Echoes Pre-Draft “Toddler” Warning
