The Indiana Fever have received a major boost with the return of star guard Caitlin Clark, and head coach Stephanie White is wasting no time in emphasizing how her presence transforms the team into a more formidable threat.

Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, missed five games due to a left ankle sprain but returned to the court on Tuesday, delivering a 28-point, 9-assist performance in Indiana’s 92-85 win over the Dallas Wings.

White, in a post-game interview, called the Fever “more dangerous than ever” with Clark on the floor, citing her ability to elevate the team’s offensive and defensive intensity. “Caitlin’s not just a scorer—she’s a catalyst,” White said. “When she’s out there, everything clicks.”

Clark’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Fever, who went 2-3 in her absence and slipped to 12-15 in the WNBA standings. With her back in the lineup, Indiana’s offense looked revitalized, shooting 51% from the field and outscoring the Wings 28-17 in the third quarter to turn a tight game into a decisive victory.

Clark’s impact was evident in both her statistical contributions and her leadership, as she consistently found open teammates and made clutch plays down the stretch. “I’m still shaking off the rust, but it feels amazing to be back,” Clark said. “This team has kept fighting, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

White’s assertion that the Fever are “more dangerous” with Clark aligns with the numbers. Indiana’s offensive efficiency jumps from 98.4 points per 100 possessions without her to 112.1 with her on the floor this season.

Her ability to create shots for herself and others forces defenses into impossible choices, and her court vision has sparked a resurgence in players like Sophie Cunningham (22 points vs. Dallas) and Aliyah Boston (14 points, 10 rebounds). “Teams can’t just focus on stopping Caitlin anymore,” Cunningham said. “We’ve grown as a group, and now we’re a problem for everyone.”

The win over the Wings was a microcosm of Clark’s influence. She opened the game with a step-back three, then followed with a no-look pass to Boston for a layup, setting the tone for a Fever team that looked reinvigorated.

In the fourth quarter, with Indiana clinging to a 78-75 lead, Clark took over, hitting a floater, stealing an inbound pass for a fast-break layup, and assisting on a three-pointer by Tiffany Mitchell to seal the win. “She’s a closer,” White said. “You don’t teach that—she’s born for these moments.”

Opponents are already taking notice of the renewed threat Indiana poses. Wings guard Marina Mabrey, who struggled to contain Clark, called her “unstoppable when she’s in rhythm.” “You can game plan for her, but she always finds a way,” Mabrey said.

“The Fever are a different team with her on the floor.” The broader league has also taken note, with analysts praising Clark’s ability to elevate her teammates. “Caitlin’s the engine,” said ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike during the broadcast. “She makes everyone around her better.”

Clark’s return has reignited the Fever’s playoff hopes. At 13-15, Indiana sits just one game out of the sixth seed with eight games remaining, including a favorable schedule against the Chicago Sky, New York Liberty, and Dallas Wings.

“We’re in this to win,” Clark said. “Every game matters now.” The team’s recent 4-1 stretch—with wins over the Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Los Angeles Sparks—suggests they’re peaking at the right time.

The 21-year-old’s impact extends beyond statistics. Her presence has restored confidence to a locker room that struggled with inconsistency in her absence. Veteran forward Stephanie Mertsch called her return “a shot of adrenaline.”

“Caitlin’s energy is contagious,” Mertsch said. “She reminds us why we play this game.” Even Clark’s trash talk and competitive fire have returned, as evidenced by her exchange with Wings center A’ja Wilson in the third quarter. “That’s just Caitlin being Caitlin,” Wilson said. “She’s always got that fire.”

The Fever’s defense has also improved with Clark back in the fold. Her ability to disrupt passing lanes and communicate switches has elevated a unit that ranked 10th in efficiency during her absence to 5th since her return.

“She’s the quarterback of our defense,” White said. “Her IQ is elite.” The Fever held the Wings to 40% shooting and forced 16 turnovers, a testament to their renewed intensity.

Social media has erupted in celebration of Clark’s return, with the hashtag #ClarkIsBack trending within hours of the game.

Fans have flooded platforms with highlights of her performance, including a behind-the-back pass to Betnijah Laney for a fast-break layup that drew comparisons to Chris Paul’s court vision. The Fever’s merchandise sales also spiked, with Clark’s jersey selling out in all sizes within 24 hours.

The broader implications for the WNBA are significant. As the league seeks to capitalize on its growing popularity, Clark’s return provides a narrative of resilience and star power that could attract new fans. “Caitlin’s a generational talent,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Her presence elevates the entire league.”

For Clark, the focus remains on the present. Despite the playoff urgency, she’s taking things one game at a time. “I’m not thinking about the standings,” she said. “We’ll handle business, and the rest will take care of itself.” Her ability to stay grounded amid the chaos has become a hallmark of her young career.

As the Fever prepare for a critical road trip next week, they do so with renewed confidence and a star back in the fold. The combination of Clark’s brilliance, Cunningham’s scoring, and Boston’s interior presence has transformed Indiana into a team capable of making noise in the postseason. “We’re not done yet,” Clark said. “We’re just getting started.”

In the end, Caitlin Clark’s return has injected new life into the Fever and the WNBA. While the challenges of the playoff race remain, one thing is clear: Indiana is more dangerous than ever—and the league had better take notice.