Even when she isn’t playing, Caitlin Clark continues to dominate attention. In Indiana Fever games this season, she has often been seen sidelined—either by injury or in moments of rest—and fans are reacting.

But it hasn’t just been her absence that has stirred controversy; two teammates, Chloe Bibby and Sophie Cunningham, have also been drawn into the public eye, creating waves on social media, in fan groups, and among sports analysts.

What’s unfolding on the bench goes far beyond normal basketball rust or rotation strategy—it’s become a storyline loaded with tension, identity, and expectations.

Missed Games, Mixed Signals

When Clark was ruled out due to a right groin injury back in July, it marked the beginning of a challenging stretch for the Fever. Not only did they lose their star guard, but other key backcourt pieces started slipping into injury trouble or inconsistent play.

Meanwhile, Chloe Bibby, who had been stepping into more visible rotation moments, also missed several games—often listed as day‑to‑day with knee discomfort.

 Sophie Cunningham, meanwhile, suffered a season‑ending MCL tear, compounding the Fever’s losing ground on depth. With so many moving pieces out, the bench has become a stage where questions are being raised—not only about who’s available, but about what the bench represents, both in leadership and identity.

Bench Chemistry & Imitation

One of the more curious fan reactions has come from observations of how Chloe Bibby seemingly echoes Caitlin Clark’s gestures while sitting on the bench. In a clip that’s gone viral, Bibby imitates Clark’s gestures—hair toss, hand motions—leading fans to comment and Bibby herself to respond on X (formerly Twitter): “why did I do the exact same thing,” with laughing and melting‑face emojis.

 This moment, while playful, taps into something deeper: people are watching what happens off the court, analyzing whether the bench behavior reflects admiration, pressure, or perhaps a sign of how much Clark’s presence (even when absent) sets the rhythm for the team’s culture.

For Cunningham, the bench has had an even more complicated reality. Before her injury, she was in a role where she carried defensive intensity, leadership, and occasional offensive contributions.

But as her own health faltered, she also found herself on the bench more often—whether resting, recovering, or simply not able to finish games. Fans who expect her to serve as a veteran stabilizer have struggled to reconcile her physical limitations with their expectations.

The visibility of a once‑reliable contributor sitting out or watching from the sidelines has created a tension: supporters want her back, but also worry about her long‑term capacity, and what her absence means for team morale.

Leadership in Absence

Fans are wrestling with what leadership looks like when so many of the team’s prominent players are benched. Clark has been public about her disappointment at missing the rest of the season, saying she “misses playing so bad.”

 But she has also tried to show support for her teammates—Cunningham in particular—with emotional messages after her injury. One post from Clark read, simply, “Love you always soph @sophie_cham.” For many, those moments are meaningful; they show that even when Clark is off the floor, she remains invested in her teammates’ successes and struggles.

Yet, there are fans who see more concerning undercurrents. Without consistent performance or presence, questions emerge: Who steps up when Clark is out? Does the bench feel like it’s always in reaction mode? How much are backups prepared? Is the coaching staff able to maintain continuity when so many rotations shift due to injuries or rest?

Fan Frustration & Speculation

Social media has been buzzing with frustration. Some fans feel that Clark’s forced absences expose too much of a gap in the team’s depth. Others worry that Bibby, who showed promise, isn’t given enough chances when she is healthy.

The lack of clarity about when key players will return (Clark, Bibby, Cunningham) has left a swirl of speculation about whether the Fever can sustain a playoff push or contend meaningfully without full strength.

Cunningham’s injury especially has stirred emotion. She was averaging solid numbers (around 8.6 points in ~30 games) before going down.

 That she must watch from the bench for the rest of the season is seen by many as a big blow—not only to the Fever’s performance but to fans who had bought into her veteran presence. Similarly, Bibby’s recurring availability issues feed into narratives of “if only” or “what might have been” when she’s compared to healthy players.

Impact on Team Strategy

From a coaching perspective, all of this presents a major headache. Game plans have to be adjusted not just because of injuries, but because the roles of those who remain somehow shift.

Players who would otherwise be second‑unit options are thrust into larger roles. The timing of substitutions, defensive assignments, offensive sets—all of these get disrupted when the bench is thinner than ideal.

Some analysts believe that this makes it harder to maintain energy, particularly in late game situations. The emotional toll of watching beloved veterans or stars being on the bench rather than contributing cannot be ignored either.

Furthermore, scouts and league watchers are likely noting how opponents can adjust when Clark or Cunningham is out or limited. Matchups change, and defensive strategies shift.’

Players like Bibby may be asked to take on more, but possibly without consistent minutes to build rhythm. Bench scoring, which is often crucial in close WNBA contests, may fall off when parts of the rotation are unavailable or under‑utilized.

Hope & What Comes Next

Despite all this, there remains at least a cautious optimism among Fever fans. The team has clinched a playoff spot this season despite significant roster difficulties.

Some take that as evidence of resilience and depth. Others believe that once health returns—with Clark, Cunningham, and Bibby all ideally getting as close to full strength as possible—the team could show its true potential.

There is also hope that being benched—temporarily or for longer stretches—serves as motivation rather than discouragement. For young players, watching veterans handle injuries, fan scrutiny, and professional pressure can be educational. There could be a long‑term benefit in how the team’s culture is shaped: empathy, perseverance, adaptation.