The MVP and The Chosen One make a formidable duo. After last year’s exceptional performances, both A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark were near the top of everyone’s lists, both individually and in terms of team success. Indiana acquired a talented group of veterans to support their young core, while the Aces secured Jewell Loyd and NaLyssa Smith, sparking immense excitement among fans. However, it’s safe to say that the season isn’t going as planned for either Wilson or Clark.
In terms of standings, the Indiana Fever is currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 13-12 record, while the Las Vegas Aces are fourth in the West, standing at exactly .500. Not the worst record for both teams, but still quite underwhelming. See, A’ja Wilson’s MVP season and Caitlin Clark’s rookie year were both for the history books. We all thought they’d be dominating this year, but life had something else in mind.
Clark has been struggling with a myriad of leg injuries, including two quad strains and two groin injuries, and has missed a dozen games already! Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson’s team hasn’t been completely healthy either. Wilson herself has been dealing with a wrist injury she picked up before the All-Star, while Jackie Young hasn’t been fully fit either.
On the No Offseason show, reporters Zena Keita and Ben Pickman discussed the parallel troubles of Indiana and Las Vegas. “I kind of group these teams together. To me, they’re both teams that have high expectations and uneven first halves. They have star power, they have big names, and a lot of people are just curious about why things are just not going to plan, so to speak.” Pickman said. “And for both, I think consistency is a word you hear a lot.” And it’s true. The Fever and the Aces have blown leads and lost games that they were supposed to win this season.
While some part of it is because of injuries, a lot of it has just been an inability to catch a rhythm. Credit where credit is due, both Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson have been showing up whenever they step on the floor. CC is averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 9 assists a game, and Wilson has been upping her game as usual! The MVP is nearly averaging a 22pt 10reb double-double on amazing shooting splits.
The thing is, both these teams have an incredible lineup and dynamic stars. Both Clark and Wilson can flip the game on its head whenever necessary, which is why Pickman didn’t dismiss the chances of limited success in the second half of the season. “I think both teams will eventually get in the playoffs. However, I don’t expect either one of these teams to suddenly flip the switch and be this title contender the way some people think.” He said, giving a harsh reality check to both teams.
However, Indiana and Las Vegas are in two similar yet very different situations as of now. While the Aces don’t have any momentum behind them, they still have Wilson. The Fever, unfortunately, won’t have Caitlin Clark for some time. So why is it that Natasha Howard and company still managed to wrestle a victory out of Becky Hammon’s team? Let’s find out!
Indiana Fever stay on the right track even without star Caitlin Clark
Playing the MVP of the league without your superstar is a tough task, but Natasha Howard has never been one to back down from a challenge! Caitlin Clark is out, and there’s no timeline for her recovery, but the Fever is sending a strong message to the rest of the league–they’re still fighting, and they’re playing to win every single night.
Case in point? The game against Las Vegas yesterday. Every player on the Fever did their part–Howard and Mitchell picked up the bulk of the scoring load, while Cunningham and McDonald shot lights out from beyond the arc.
May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever forwards Natasha Howard (6) and Aliyah Boston (7) high five during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
While A’ja Wilson’s 20pt, 6reb, and 3stl, and Jackie Young’s 19pt explosion were impressive, the MVP and her teammates couldn’t manage to wrestle the win away from the Fever. The final score was 80-70, and it showed a lot of determination and grit from Stephanie White’s team. Caitlin Clark might take some time to recover, but her teammates have got it covered!
It will be interesting to see whether Indiana can carry this momentum into their game against Chicago. Dealing with the rebounding and paint play of the “Twin Towers” of Chi-Town will be tough, but the Fever’s shooting from the perimeter will definitely give them a leg up. Stay tuned for more updates!
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