With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to injury and the Indiana Fever facing a shortage of guards, coach Stephanie White has turned to Kyra Lambert, a player known both for her accomplishments and a history of significant injuries. Lambert, signed on a seven-day hardship contract, is determined to prove she can effectively fill the void left by Clark while joining teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull in the lineup.
The Fever’s need for a dependable guard grew after Erica Wheeler departed for the Seattle Storm and injuries continued to plague the roster. Key setbacks to Aari McDonald and Colson further depleted the team’s options, leading White to depend on Lambert during a critical phase of the 2025 season.
Injuries and Comebacks Define Lambert’s Journey to the WNBA
Kyra Lambert’s career has been marked by resilience in the face of serious setbacks. A standout at Duke, her college career faced interruptions when she tore her ACL during the 2017 NCAA tournament, causing her to miss the entire following season. A second ACL tear during the 2018 preseason extended her time away from competitive basketball, forcing her to sit out for two consecutive years during a crucial period of her development.
Despite these challenges, Lambert persevered and completed her college career at Texas. In her final season there, she averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. After college, her tenacity led her overseas, where she made a significant impact playing for various European clubs, including Olympiacos, where she averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 assists per game most recently.
Lambert Ready to Take on Key Role in Fever’s Playoff Push
With both Caitlin Clark and Aari McDonald out of action, Lambert’s responsibilities in the Fever backcourt have become increasingly important as Indiana aims for a playoff spot in the latter part of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA season. Lambert has expressed confidence and eagerness to embrace the challenge, drawing on her years of experience and preparation.
“I’ve been watching the WNBA for years,”
Lambert said regarding her connection to the league and team. She added,
“I mean, it’s the best basketball in the world, so I’ve been watching. I’ve been studying. You know, being able to watch it and see it from a professional point of view has helped the transition.”
“The girls, the organization has been great in welcoming me here. Just got me up to speed quickly. I’m just really excited to join the team.”
—Kyra Lambert, Indiana Fever guard
Caitlin Clark’s Absence Continues Amid Injury Concerns
Clark did not play in the Indiana Fever’s August 14 game against the Las Vegas Aces, extending her absence to three consecutive games due to a right groin injury sustained during the July 15 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Medical evaluations performed earlier in the week in New York confirmed no new injuries, but the team emphasized that Clark’s long-term health will remain the priority through the rest of the season.
This period of absence marks the 12th regular-season game Clark has missed during 2025 due to various injuries, including previous absences for a left quadriceps issue and a left groin injury. Clark’s health setbacks also caused her to miss key events such as the Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win on July 1, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, and the 3-point shooting competition.
Her return timing remains uncertain as the Fever attempt to maintain momentum for a playoff push in September, increasing the urgency for players like Lambert to perform in critical roles.