Rookie forward Chloe Bibby had a strong start with the Indiana Fever on Sunday, contributing to their 93-78 victory against the Chicago Sky. This marked her Indiana Fever debut just two days after signing a seven-day contract, bringing new energy and shooting range to the team.
Bibby, who had recently played briefly for the Golden State Valkyries, scored 8 points in 11 minutes and impressively made both of her three-point attempts. This was her first professional game since June 29, offering a glimpse of her potential as a reliable shooter and floor stretcher.
Coach Stephanie White Praises Bibby’s Defensive and Offensive Contributions
Fever head coach Stephanie White acknowledged Bibby’s quick adjustment to the team’s system and her keen sense of offensive positioning. White highlighted Bibby’s readiness and focus on defense, noting that she did not allow any easy passes inside.
She did a really good job of understanding offense, understanding where she was gonna get hers, and then staying shot-ready,
White said.
I like how she was defensively too, she didn’t allow any easy entry passes.
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever head coach
Bibby entered during the final moments of the first quarter and immediately demonstrated her shooting prowess by draining a three-pointer from the left wing. She found another open spot within Chicago’s zone defense in the second quarter and nailed a corner three, finishing with all 8 points before halftime and seeing limited action in the second half.
They were playing zone, and so bringing in Chloe early and having four shooters around [Aliyah Boston] was important,
White added, underlining Bibby’s role in spacing the floor effectively for Indiana.
Bibby Brings Versatility and Floor-Spreading Ability to a Crowded Forward Lineup
Although Bibby’s debut wasn’t headline news, her presence is a significant boost for the Fever’s roster after veteran forward DeWanna Bonner was waived. Indiana’s frontcourt remains deep, featuring Aliyah Boston as the focal point, supported by experienced players like Natasha Howard, Damiris Dantas, Brianna Turner, and promising rookie Makayla Timpson.
What the Fever lacked was a forward with the ability to stretch defenses with consistent outside shooting. While Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull have occasionally filled that role, neither possesses the size or natural fit of a traditional WNBA forward who can threaten beyond the arc.
Sometimes you’ll see us go small with Sophie and Lexie at the four,
White noted.
With Chloe on our roster right, now we don’t have to do that. She has really good size and she has that same ability to stretch the floor.
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever head coach
The 6-foot-2 Bibby has built a reputation as a reliable three-point shooter, having made 35.5 percent of her shots from long range during her five-year NCAA career. She has continued that proficiency in the WNBA, converting 47.6 percent of her three-pointers across six games so far this season.
What Bibby’s Arrival Means for the Fever’s Future Lineup
If Bibby can establish herself as a dependable stretch four, Indiana’s frontcourt will benefit greatly. A fully healthy Fever squad, including star guard Caitlin Clark, combines height and skill with shooting and versatility. Bibby adds to that mix with her size and shooting ability, offering new tactical options.
Although playing time is limited on a deep roster, Bibby’s 11 minutes against Chicago came even as Natasha Howard played a season-low 12 minutes and both Damiris Dantas and Brianna Turner were benched. Meanwhile, Makayla Timpson earned a season-high 22 minutes as she had a career-best performance.
With only two days to learn the Fever’s playbook, Bibby still impressed enough to provide head coach White with a fresh weapon for upcoming games, enhancing the team’s adaptability and offensive spacing.