In one of the most eye-opening postgame press conferences of the WNBA season, Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham made a bold declaration: “If we have Caitlin [Clark], great. If we don’t have Caitlin, great. We know how to play without her.” The comment came following the Fever’s impressive 83–78 victory over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces — a game that, notably, Clark did not play.

The win marked a defining moment for a team that has struggled to find consistent footing this season. Without the rookie phenom Caitlin Clark on the floor, the Fever showcased a collective identity, built on defensive grit, offensive fluidity, and unwavering team chemistry. Postgame, Cunningham and veteran Natasha Howard addressed the media, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and a team-first mentality that is beginning to take hold in Indiana.

Defense as the Foundation

The Fever’s strategy was crystal clear from the jump: defense first. Natasha Howard, who played a crucial role on both ends of the floor, credited the team’s strong defensive showing as the turning point.

“It started off with our defense. Our defense got our offense going. We limited Vegas to one shot, and that’s how we got open shots inside the paint,” Howard explained.

Indiana’s ability to limit the Aces to single-shot possessions gave them control over the game’s tempo. This defensive dominance helped the Fever to generate better looks on the offensive end — a formula that has eluded them in previous outings.

Weathering the Storm Without Clark

The absence of Caitlin Clark, the league’s most talked-about rookie and biggest box office draw, might have rattled other teams. But for Indiana, her day-to-day status has become a known variable — not a destabilizing force.

“I don’t think that it affects us anymore,” Cunningham said. “If we have Caitlin, great. We know how to play with her. If we don’t, great. We know how to play without her.”

That confidence was evident on the court. The Fever moved the ball crisply, shot efficiently from beyond the arc, and committed only three turnovers in the second half — a remarkable feat against the Aces’ typically aggressive defense. Howard credited the low turnover count as key to the team’s second-half composure.

“We settled in. We took care of the ball. I just played my game and took advantage of the matchup,” she added.

Adapting to Adversity

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides had mentioned prior to the game that the team had dealt with emotional “ups and downs” over the uncertainty of Clark’s availability. But that rollercoaster has turned into a source of strength. The Fever now approach each game with a “next woman up” mindset.

“It’s about stacking the days. That’s what we’re doing now — taking it one day at a time,” Cunningham stated. “We’ve struggled when teams go on runs, but tonight we stopped theirs and responded with our own. That’s a big step for us.”

This growing mental toughness marks a turning point for a team still learning how to win together. Players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have stepped up in Clark’s absence, and veterans like Howard provide the steady presence needed to stay composed in high-stakes moments.

A New Chapter Without the Spotlight?

While Caitlin Clark’s absence might have disappointed fans tuning in to see her electrifying play, it offered a rare chance for the rest of the Fever roster to shine. And shine they did. The win wasn’t just a statistical or standings boost — it was a cultural reset.

Sophie Cunningham’s words reflect a team that’s learning to define itself beyond one superstar. Not as a supporting cast to a single player, but as a dynamic, adaptable unit capable of competing — and winning — against the league’s best.

The Fever’s victory over Las Vegas is more than just another notch in the win column; it’s a signal to the rest of the WNBA. Whether Caitlin Clark is on the court or not, Indiana is finding its identity — and it might be stronger than anyone expected.

Final Score: Fever 83, Aces 78
Key Performers: Natasha Howard (17 PTS, 8 REB), Aliyah Boston (14 PTS), Kelsey Mitchell (16 PTS)
Next Game: Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury

Whether Caitlin Clark returns next game or not, one thing is clear: the Fever are done waiting. They’re charging forward.