In their season opener, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever displayed impressive skill, but their second game provided a stark realization of the competitive landscape in the WNBA. The Fever suffered a narrow 91-90 defeat against the Atlanta Dream, who have also restructured their team around a top draft pick, Rhyne Howard.
Although the Fever made a valiant effort, overcoming a nine-point deficit with just over four minutes remaining, they ultimately fell short. Natasha Howard had two crucial shots at the end blocked or missed, sealing the close loss for Indiana.
Despite the defeat, Caitlin Clark delivered another standout performance, scoring 27 points, dishing out 11 assists, and securing 5 rebounds. This remarkable game added to her already historic career; she is now tied with Courtney Vandersloot for the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history, achieving this in just 42 games compared to Vandersloot’s 430.
The Fever had an active offseason to improve their roster after a challenging 2024 season that saw them struggle for playoff success. They effectively retooled by adding veterans like Howard and DeWanna Bonner, alongside the league’s star talent in Clark and notable players like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. However, in this matchup, the contributions from these new additions fell short—Howard managed just six points on 3-of-9 shooting, and Bonner did not score at all.
It’s important to note that Indiana played without another promising wing, Sophie Cunningham, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury. The Dream, too, faced challenges, missing their starting point guard, Jordin Canada.
The Dream showcased their own offseason improvements, with added strength in the form of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, who delivered a combined 40 points and strong performances. Griner’s presence in the paint helped propel Atlanta to victory, marking an encouraging comeback after their opening loss to the Washington Mystics.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Fever adapt and harness the immense talent of Clark and her teammates while seeking to build the momentum necessary for success. The future remains bright, with Clark setting records and proving to be one of the league’s most dynamic players.