WNBA Veteran Speaks Out Following Indiana Fever’s Historic Matchup

Indiana Fever Pull Off Historic Comeback as Injuries Continue to Test Their Depth

The Indiana Fever have spent the past month living on the edge. With superstar guard Caitlin Clark sidelined since July 15 due to a strained groin, the team has looked like a tale of two halves—resilient in stretches, vulnerable in others. They’ve managed to keep themselves in the playoff mix, going 7-6 during Clark’s absence, but the road has been anything but smooth.

Saturday night against the Connecticut Sun may have been their most dramatic test yet. Down by 21 points in the third quarter, the Fever looked all but finished. Connecticut, despite entering the game with the league’s worst record, seemed poised to hand Indiana another frustrating loss. Instead, the Fever mounted a rally for the ages—storming back to tie the game and eventually pulling out a 99-93 overtime victory, the largest comeback in franchise history.

Natasha Howard Sparks the Overtime Surge

The comeback was fueled by veteran forward Natasha Howard, who delivered when her team needed her most. She finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, but her biggest contribution came in overtime, when she scored the Fever’s first 10 points of the extra frame, almost singlehandedly carrying the team across the finish line.

After the game, Howard’s pride in her squad was clear. Taking to social media, she posted a simple but heartfelt message: “I love my team!!!”

It was a reminder of the collective fight Indiana has shown during a stretch where their roster has been repeatedly tested.

Kelsey Mitchell Steps Into the Spotlight

If Howard set the tone in overtime, Kelsey Mitchell owned the night overall. The All-Star guard has shouldered the scoring load in Clark’s absence, and on Saturday she put on one of the best performances of her career. Mitchell exploded for 38 points, tying her career high, while hitting five three-pointers and converting 11 of 12 free throws.

Mitchell is averaging a career-best 20.4 points per game this season, and with Clark out, she’s embraced the role of primary scorer and floor leader. Her ability to create offense under pressure has been the lifeline Indiana needs to stay competitive against tougher opponents.

Another Costly Injury

Even in victory, the Fever couldn’t escape more bad news. Sophie Cunningham, one of their most reliable perimeter shooters, went down in the second quarter with a knee injury and did not return. Her absence leaves Indiana dangerously thin in the backcourt, especially with Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald already lost for the season.

Cunningham’s three-point shooting has been a valuable weapon for Indiana’s offense, and losing her at this critical juncture could prove costly.

Clark’s Return Timeline Still Unclear

Perhaps the biggest concern remains Clark herself. While fans are eager for her return, local reporter Scott Agness recently suggested that the rookie phenom may be out for “at least several more weeks.”

That uncertainty casts a long shadow over the Fever’s playoff push. At 19-16, Indiana currently sits sixth in the WNBA standings—still in postseason position, but with little margin for error.

A Brutal Stretch Ahead

If Saturday’s win was inspiring, the schedule ahead is unforgiving. The Fever will face the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (28-5) three times before the season ends. They’ll also hit the road for a September 2 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, a team fighting desperately for playoff seeding.

Just two days earlier, they’ll travel west to face the Golden State Valkyries, who have been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises. Despite being an expansion team, Golden State sits at 18-16 and has proven they can push established contenders to the brink.

Every game matters now, and without Clark—and potentially without Cunningham—Indiana’s margin for error is razor thin.

Holding the Line

The Fever’s victory over Connecticut was more than just a comeback; it was a statement. Even without their biggest star and with a roster that seems to get thinner by the week, they are finding ways to compete. Players like Howard and Mitchell are refusing to let the season slip away, showing resilience that may define Indiana’s year.

Whether they can withstand the gauntlet ahead remains to be seen. But if Saturday proved anything, it’s that this team still has fight left in it. The Fever may be battered, but they aren’t broken—and in the playoff race, that fight might be enough to keep them alive.