The Dallas Wings have been massively struggling this season. While they managed to show an impressive ability to dig deep and grind out a 68-55 victory in a showdown against one of the most physically powerful teams in the league, we all remember that 7-game losing streak that they endured. Although they sit at the bottom of the 13-team league, they have shown some signs of improvement in the past couple of weeks. But HC Chris Conclanes is not fully convinced by what he is seeing yet.
So, when the team lost to the Washington Mystics despite taking the game to overtime with a last-minute equalizer from Paige Bueckers, Koclanes did not mince his words. Instead, he took the direct route and admitted the failure of the locker room. “I mean, I think we can be better in special situations down the stretch here,” Koclanes had said. And maybe this glaring truth was exactly what the locker room needed before big match-up against the Fever.
In the latest development surrounding the locker room, national reporter for Dallas, Joey Mistretta, shared a clip on X (formerly Twitter). The caption read, “Chris Koclanes says the Wings will prepare as if Caitlin Clark will play tomorrow. If she is ruled out, then Dallas will ‘adjust‘.” This admission from the Wings HC comes just two days before their mouth-watering clash with the Fever.
Chris Koclanes says the Wings will prepare as if Caitlin Clark will play tomorrow. If she is ruled out then Dallas will “adjust”#WingsUp pic.twitter.com/s6tubbSF8X
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) June 26, 2025
The HC is confident that the Fever superstar will appear for the game tomorrow. Moreover, he showcased a positive outlook ahead of the showdown. “So, I know if you signed Aari McDonald back, and we’ll see a lot of her tonight,” Koclanes said. “So, we’ll take a good look at and what if she doesn’t play for us? We would have the benefit of watching them play tonight without her. But you go in preparing for Caitlin to be on the floor.”
While Aari McDonald has displayed elite defensive playmaking as a replacement joinee with the Fever, Chris Koclanes is more afraid of facing the sophomore athlete. He would rather prepare his locker room in a manner that can handle or even measure up against Caitlin Clark.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White confirmed Clark’s injury. She revealed that the team was monitoring Clark’s health before ruling her out. The player was immediately sent for an MRI, though early results showed no definitive strain, prompting a cautious, day-to-day approach. Moreover, IndyStar sports reporter Chloe Peterson broke the news a few hours later with the latest development concerning Clark.
While Caitlin Clark is still a part of the active roster, the Fever head coach resorted to a roster shake-up mid-season and decided to sign promising point guard Aari McDonald. With two of the most powerful guards in White’s locker room, can the Indiana Fever seize the opportunity and push the Dallas Wings into another slump? Or will they succumb to the dynamic duo of Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers? Only time will tell.
Aari McDonald carves a permanent spot in the Indiana Fever, as Caitlin Clark races against the time get fit
“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be,“ Aari McDonald said after re-signing for Indiana. “I’m grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans, and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I’m on.”
McDonald found her way back to Indiana after her replacement contract ended a few days ago. The unrestricted free agent was first signed by the Fever under a hardship emergency contract due to injuries to Syd Colson and Sophie Cunningham. And she did a very solid job, largely coming off the bench, and immediately became one of the fan favourites.
While Fever fans are excited about welcoming McDonald back to the roster, her entry comes at a cost. HC White parted ways with veteran forward DeWanna Bonner instead. While DB did not have impressive statistics within the roster, she had an undeniably formidable presence in the paint. The veteran provided the much-needed front-court depth to an otherwise struggling team.
As McDonald gears up for her first official showdown against the Sparks, can the potential star turn the tables for the Indiana Fever? Or will Clark’s absence loom heavy on the rebuilding roster? With the tremendous roster shake-up, things can go either way for the Indiana-based franchise. Guess we’ll have to wait and watch.
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