Aari McDonald Sparks Indiana Fever to Victory Without Caitlin Clark
In the absence of star rookie Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever finally found their rhythm. Newly signed Aari McDonald made a remarkable debut off the bench, leading a shorthanded Fever squad to an 85-76 win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday in Indianapolis. This marks their first win since Clark’s injury and snaps a three-game skid.
Game Recap: Fever vs Mystics (June 3, 2025)
- Final Score: Indiana Fever 85, Washington Mystics 76
- Top Scorer: Kelsey Mitchell (24 points)
- Impact Player: Aari McDonald – 7 points, 5 assists, 3 steals in 27 minutes
- Team Record: Fever improves to 3–4
Aari McDonald’s Impact: A True Professional’s Entrance
Signed on an emergency hardship contract, McDonald watched game film during her flight to Indianapolis and had just hours with the coaching staff. Yet, her execution was seamless. Coach Stephanie White praised her basketball IQ and defensive aggression, calling her performance “exactly what we needed.”
“She’s just a dog on defense,” White said. “She was ready. Not everybody can do that — that’s a point guard mindset.”
Caitlin Clark Injury Update
Caitlin Clark, who led the Fever to a dominant season-opening win over the Chicago Sky, has been out since May 26 with a left quad injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. In her absence, the team has had to adapt quickly, especially after injuries to Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham left the Fever with only eight active players last week.
Fever’s Offensive Resurgence
Coach Stephanie White called the win the team’s most complete performance since the opener:
- 21 assists on 30 made field goals
- Better ball movement and spacing
- Improved defensive rotations with McDonald on the floor
“That’s how we have to play in order to be successful,” said White.
Kelsey Mitchell & Lexie Hull Praise McDonald
Veterans like Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull acknowledged the spark McDonald provided:
“I’m really proud of Aari for coming out and playing some incredible minutes,” Hull said.
“It goes to show what pros are and how you’re supposed to operate,” added Mitchell.
Celeste Taylor Begins Coaching Career at Grand Canyon
Elsewhere in WNBA news, former Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury guard Celeste Taylor is shifting gears into coaching. She joins Grand Canyon University as an assistant coach, reuniting with her former Duke coach Winston Gandy.
Taylor’s Transition Highlights:
- Played at Texas, Duke, and Ohio State
- Drafted No. 15 overall by the Fever in 2024
- Played for Mercury and Sun before injuries
- Will take time off to recover from a foot injury
- Plans to return to WNBA in 2026
“I’ve always loved mentoring younger players,” said Taylor. “This is the perfect opportunity to heal and contribute to the game in a new way.”
Grand Canyon’s Growing Reputation
Grand Canyon women’s basketball is on the rise, coming off a 30-game win streak and its first-ever NCAA Division I tournament appearance. With Molly Miller now at Arizona State, the program is under new leadership with Gandy and his staff — including Taylor.
“It’s a blessing to be part of a program that’s building something special,” Taylor shared.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Aari McDonald and why did the Indiana Fever sign her?
A: Aari McDonald is a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. The Indiana Fever signed her on an emergency hardship contract after multiple players, including Caitlin Clark, were sidelined due to injuries.
Q2. How did Aari McDonald perform in her Fever debut?
A: In her debut for the Indiana Fever, Aari McDonald scored 7 points, dished out 5 assists, and recorded 3 steals in 27 impactful minutes off the bench.
Q3. What is Caitlin Clark’s injury and return timeline?
A: Caitlin Clark is recovering from a left quad injury sustained on May 26. She is expected to be out for at least two weeks, with her return date depending on her recovery progress.
Q4. Who led the Indiana Fever in scoring against the Washington Mystics?
A: Kelsey Mitchell led the team with 24 points in the 85-76 win over the Mystics, helping snap a three-game losing streak.
Q5. Who is Celeste Taylor and what is her new role?
A: Celeste Taylor is a former WNBA guard who played for the Mercury, Sun, and Fever. She has now joined Grand Canyon University as an assistant coach while recovering from a foot injury.
Q6. What is Grand Canyon’s status in NCAA women’s basketball?
A: Grand Canyon University is an emerging women’s basketball powerhouse, recently completing a 30-game win streak and making its first NCAA Division I tournament appearance in school history.
Q7. Will Celeste Taylor return to the WNBA?
A: Yes, Taylor aims to return to the WNBA in 2026 after fully recovering from her injury. She is focusing on coaching and staying in shape during her recovery period.
✅ Conclusion
The Indiana Fever’s hard-earned victory proves that resilience and preparation can lead to breakthrough moments, even without star power. Aari McDonald’s debut epitomized professionalism and grit, potentially paving the way for a bigger role. Meanwhile, Celeste Taylor’s coaching journey reflects a new chapter in her basketball story, as she continues to impact the game from the sidelines. Both stories highlight the depth, talent, and transition opportunities in today’s WNBA.
