The Indiana Fever faced a tough challenge on May 28, falling 83–77 to the Washington Mystics in their first game without Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year. Clark, sidelined since May 26 due to a left quad strain, is expected to miss at least two weeks, forcing the Fever to adjust their offense in her absence.
Without their key playmaker directing the team’s tempo, Indiana’s offense struggled to find rhythm and speed, failing to score on fast breaks and committing 15 turnovers. This disrupted flow extended their losing streak to two games, as the Fever now prepare to face the Connecticut Sun on May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Lexie Hull Discusses Indiana’s Offensive Adjustments Without Caitlin Clark
Guard Lexie Hull spoke with reporters after practice on May 29, emphasizing the difficulty of adapting the Fever’s offensive approach without Clark on the court. Hull described how opposing defenses are changing their strategies against Indiana, complicating the team’s adjustments.
Defenses play us different without Caitlin out there,
Hull told Scott Agness.
It feels a little bit like we’re starting over with a different group because everything’s a little bit different without her out there.
Many of Indiana’s offensive struggles stemmed from the lack of Clark’s playmaking, which usually creates opportunities for teammates in transition. Hull, who often benefits from Clark’s assists with open shots on the break, was limited to nine points, unable to find the same openings or timing. Meanwhile, Sydney Colson stepped in at point guard, contributing four points and three assists, but also recording three turnovers and shooting 2-of-7 from the floor over 31 minutes.
Hull was candid about the team’s current process of recalibrating their offensive roles and tactics.
We’re just trying to figure out what our best looks are,
Hull said.
And it’s going to be a learning process. We talk about being deep and being able to rely on our players to go out there and impact the game in a positive way.
After the loss to Washington, the Fever opted out of a full team film session, instead choosing to put it behind them and focus on returning to their identity on the court.
Clark’s Influence Persists as She Supports From the Sidelines
Though Clark is unable to play, her presence remains strong within the team. Hull praised Clark’s vocal leadership and growing impact off the floor, noting how she has taken on a significant role in the locker room despite her injury.
I’m seeing her grow in ways I didn’t expect,
Hull shared.
Her being able to watch the game from a different lens and be able to sit by the coaches and hear what they say. I think she’s learning a lot and she’s been very vocal in the locker room.
Clark continues to lead the Fever statistically, averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. She shoots 31.4% from three-point range, ranking third in the league with 2.8 made threes per game, and currently holds the highest assist average in the WNBA.
Looking ahead, Indiana will try to avoid a three-game skid when they face the Connecticut Sun, who have yet to record a win this season. Despite the challenges posed by Clark’s continued absence, Hull and her teammates remain committed to evolving their gameplay and maintaining focus on their season goals.