The Indiana Fever are navigating a challenging stretch as star player Caitlin Clark suffers a new injury and veteran DeWanna Bonner departs the team. Clark, who recently returned after missing five games with a left quad injury, has now been ruled out due to a groin injury sustained during the Fever’s 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm. This latest setback keeps the Fever searching for stability as the season progresses.

Head coach Stephanie White remains hopeful Clark’s time away from the court will be less than her previous absence.

It’s very much a day-to-day thing, how she responds to treatment. I stay in my lane and let our strength and conditioning staff… do what they do best,

White said via Chloe Peterson of The Indianapolis Star.

They took her down yesterday for the MRI. I’m not exactly sure (when she reported the injury). I didn’t hear about it until I heard about it from the training staff last night.

Clark’s Impact and Recent Struggles with the Fever

Caitlin Clark will not participate in the Fever’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks. During the five games Clark was sidelined earlier this season, the Fever recorded a 2-3 record and currently hold a 7-7 overall standing.

The 21-year-old offensive leader has appeared in only nine games so far, averaging 18.2 points on 39 percent shooting, including a 29.5 percent mark from beyond the arc, along with 8.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. Despite solid all-around contributions, Clark’s shooting from deep has faltered recently; she has made only 1 of 23 three-point attempts across her last three outings, correlating with the Fever winning just one of those games.

Clark’s performance remains crucial to the team’s success, emphasizing the impact of her absence on the Fever’s ability to maintain competitiveness.

Veteran Bonner’s Departure and Controversial Exit

In addition to Clark’s injury woes, Indiana faces the loss of DeWanna Bonner, who has officially been waived by the Fever after requesting to leave. The two-time WNBA champion initially joined Indiana last offseason on a one-year contract valued at $200,000, beginning with a strong debut that ranked her as the league’s third all-time leading scorer.

Bonner quickly fell out of favor, however, when she was benched in favor of rookie Lexie Hull just three games into the season. Reports indicate Bonner had no interest in continuing with the Fever after this benching and left the team for personal reasons before being formally released.

In a statement addressing her exit, Bonner expressed her gratitude but acknowledged the lack of fit with the organization.

She shared,

I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise.

Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out, and I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career.

I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.

Bonner Responds to Criticism Amid Portnoy’s Harsh Comments

As Bonner’s exit sparked criticism, including accusatory remarks labeling her a “quitter,” the veteran took to Instagram to push back against the negative narrative. She firmly denied the claim and warned that apologies would come in time.

A QUITTER!! Nah never been that!!

Bonner wrote.

But when the time comes… Let’s just make sure the apologies are just as loud as the disrespect!!

—DeWanna Bonner

Caitlin Clark superfan and sports commentator Dave Portnoy was blunt in his assessment of Bonner’s tenure with the Fever, publicly criticizing her contributions.

Great career. She was beyond useless for Fever. Wish her best of luck,

Portnoy wrote on X.

Fever’s Path Forward Amid Player Developments

With both Clark sidelined and Bonner no longer with the team, the Indiana Fever face a critical period ahead as they aim to rebound and lift their season record above .500. Clark’s availability remains uncertain but is expected to be short-term, while the team adjusts to Bonner’s absence in the lineup.

How the Fever respond to these challenges will be pivotal in shaping their progress in the WNBA season, as both stability on the court and leadership from emerging players become even more vital.