After a successful 2024 season behind the play of youngsters Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the Indiana Fever were determined to build a contender. While the Fever made the playoffs last season, they did not look ready to compete at that level. Thus, the front office brought in a new head coach and added high-level veterans to the roster.
On paper, the Fever look like one of the better teams in the league and may even be able to give teams like the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and Minnesota Lynx some trouble. However, building a roster that looks ready to compete is only the first step. Things also have to work out well on the court.
Key #3: DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham deliver defensively
The Fever’s biggest weakness last season was the team’s defense. They finished the regular season with the second-worst defensive rating in the league, ahead of only the Dallas Wings. Even the Los Angeles Sparks, who only won eight games all season long, had a better defensive rating.
So, improving the team’s defense was one of the priorities this offseason. To accomplish that, the Fever hired Stephanie White as the team’s new head coach, signed DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard in free agency, and traded for Sophie Cunningham. White has a reputation as a great defensive coach, and the three newcomers are all known as good defenders around the league.
For the Fever to truly compete with the best teams in the league, they have to become a better defensive team.
Key #2: Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston continue to improve
The Fever may be a more veteran team now, but most of their success will still depend on Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. They are the team’s foundation and future.
With DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever pretty much know exactly what they have, and so do their opponents. Clark and Boston, on the other hand, are what can set the Fever apart from other playoff teams.
If they become significantly better throughout the 2025 season, it will be much easier for the Fever to make some noise in the playoffs. Given how much both have already accomplished in their young WNBA careers, this should be no problem for them.
Key #1: The Fever stay healthy
Health is something every team needs to compete at the highest level. Only one ill-timed injury to a key player can derail a team’s entire season. Health may even set the Fever apart from other contenders, as they are not relying heavily on players with shaky injury histories.
Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston have both yet to miss a game in their WNBA careers, and Kelsey Mitchell also played 40 games in each of the last two seasons. Even Bonner, who is already 37 years old, played 40 games in the last two seasons. Howard did miss some time in the 2024 season but played 39 and 35 games in the two seasons prior.
If all of those players can stay healthy while other teams struggle with injuries, the Fever’s chances of being one of the top teams in the WNBA are much higher.