Caitlin Clark returns as Fever welcome MVP fans to open practice
The Fever gave season-ticket holders an exclusive look at practice — and were treated to Clark’s return from injury and a glimpse at a new backcourt pairing with Aari McDonald.
The Indiana Fever returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday for practice after a much-deserved Sunday off. Two days earlier, they completed a grueling stretch — nine games in 19 days.
Now, they have three days between games, followed by three straight home games. One week later, it's the All-Star break.
Practice looked a little different this time — they had an audience.
The Fever invited MVP season-ticket holders to watch practice and experience how the team operates behind the scenes, away from the national TV cameras.
“I think the most important thing is to celebrate them as long-time season ticket holders, to celebrate them, to allow them to see some of the everyday behind-the-scenes work — the things that you do to prepare yourselves for when the lights are on,” said head coach Stephanie White, an Indiana native.
“It gives them a unique opportunity to get to know our players a little bit better through these Q&As, to get a little bit more hands-on with pictures and things like that as well. But more than anything, just thank them for their continued support of our organization.”
Fans were also treated to a surprise: the return of guard Caitlin Clark. She’s missed 10 games this season, including the last five with a left groin injury. This was her first time back on the court in July.
The hope is that Clark can return for their matinee game Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries (noon ET), but first comes another practice on Tuesday.
“This was really the first time we've been able to her out into live action (since the injury) so we'll see what it brings tomorrow,” White added.
Clark returning is significant — and it would mark the first time she shares the floor with guard Aari McDonald, who’s been both a spark plug and a blessing for this team. McDonald was originally signed to an emergency hardship contract, then rejoined the roster two weeks later after DeWanna Bonner was waived following her request.
During the brief portion of practice open to media, Clark and McDonald shared the backcourt often. That allows Clark to play off the ball more — which is less demanding physically and helps her pace herself throughout games.
“I think it can give her a break,” said White, who has wanted to utilize Clark in different ways from the beginning. “I think we can get her and our team different looks when that happens. So this is really the first time that we've been able to practice that. So look forward to exploring that a little bit more.
“It'll be organic (who handles the ball). The only time that we'll probably predetermine anything is dead balls.”
McDonald is averaging 10.3 points and 4.4 assists per game, playing about 27 minutes per game with Clark sidelined.
“We're going to create more shots for ourselves and just for others around us and just expect a lot of fast pace and a lot of ball movement,” she said, excited for the possibilities.
After the late afternoon practice, players answered fan-submitted questions and took photos with attendees. Early reviews for the event were favorable.
Damiris Dantas Returns Soon, Too
The Fever have also been playing with a limited bench over the last few weeks because Damiris Dantas was temporarily suspended by the team on June 25 as she headed to Santiago, Chile, to compete in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
Dantas was outstanding — leading Brazil to the championship game, where they fell 92–84 to Team USA. She played all 40 minutes and finished with 35 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
She was named to the tournament's All-Star 5 First Team.
“She was incredible, right?” replied White. “She needs some rest. I'm not sure when she'll be available, but this will hopefully, knock on wood, when DD gets back and she is available, this will be the first time that our full roster has been available.
“And so for us reintegrating Caitlin, if we don't have any setbacks, and reintegrating DD. It changes what our rotation looks like, it changes what our lineup looks like. It does give us a little bit more versatility. It’s going to be a challenge, but also something that's necessary for us heading into this All-Star break.”
The Fever have five games remaining before the All-Star break, finishing with a back-to-back on the road in Boston (vs. Connecticut) and Brooklyn.
In the meantime, rookie Makayla Timpson has maximized her minutes, playing at least 11 minutes in each of the last four games. She contributed five points, six rebounds, and a highlight-reel block Saturday against the Sparks.
Another Fever Game Moved to NBA Arena
It’s Dallas … again.
Clark didn’t play in the much-anticipated first matchup between her and rookie guard Paige Bueckers — a meeting that fans had long circled.
How about round two?
Due to overwhelming demand, the Dallas Wings have moved their home game against the Indiana Fever on Friday, August 1 to American Airlines Center, home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. The venue holds more than triple the capacity of their usual home court, College Park Center.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will air nationally on ION.
But first, Bueckers and the Wings visit on Sunday, July 13 — a game that will air on ABC at 1 ET.
In March, the Wings became the sixth different team to move home game against Clark & the Fever. Therefore, every WNBA team that does not play in a larger (mostly NBA) venue has moved games to accommodate the unprecedented demand.
When the Fever visited on June 27, a sellout crowd of 20,409 filled AAC. Clark, Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston are the WNBA’s last three No. 1 overall picks and all three of them All-Star starters for the game in Indy on July 19.
Including the Commissioner’s Cup championship game, an extra game on the Fever’s schedule, 42 of their 45 games this season will be nationally televised.
With this venue change, only two Fever games this season will be played in non-NBA arenas:
June 10 at Atlanta
August 17 at Connecticut
